The First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), honored more than 1,500 first responder family members and guests at its 24th annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Parade viewing for first responder families.
The Thanksgiving Celebration took place on 40th Street in Manhattan and featured a family fun zone with toys, superheroes, treats and more.
There was a breakfast and ceremony in the brand-new GH on the Park and a private, front-row viewing of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
According to the FRCF, the day was made possible thanks to the generous presenting partner, CSX.
FRCF was founded on Thanksgiving morning 24 years ago, when founder Al Kahn sought to offer community, togetherness, and gratitude to the children and families who lost a first responder hero on 9/11 through the first Thanksgiving Day Parade celebration.
The tradition continues today and has become FRCF’s cornerstone event.
Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation explained: “We can never forget the reason why we host first responder families on Thanksgiving: nearly 150 first responders died in the line of duty this year, leaving children behind without their hero.
“Today is a day where we hope to bring comfort to those families and pay tribute and say thank you to all first responders who run toward danger for us every day.
“We are especially grateful for the generosity of our presenting partner CSX. Without them, this day would not be possible.”
Bryan Tucker, Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement at CSX added: “Supporting first responder families — especially on a day rooted in gratitude — is deeply meaningful to us.
“Partnering with First Responders Children’s Foundation for this special Thanksgiving Day celebration allows us to offer these families a moment of joy and connection while honoring the legacy of the heroes who devoted their lives to protecting others.”
The First Responder family VIP experience featured a full morning of activities, special guests and recognition for first responder families.
Highlights included:
Distinguished speakers included:
FRCF also presented special honors during the ceremony, including Community Hero Award to Port Authority Police Officer Chee Ying Yong, recognizing her service and bravery.
In October, while off duty and pregnant, Officer Yong intervened in a stabbing in Queens and helped save a teenager’s life
A Community Partner Award to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, a long-standing partner whose support makes events like the Thanksgiving ceremony and FRCF’s National First Responders Day in Times Square possible
Special recognition and Unsung Hero Award for FDNY Supervising Fire Marshal Robert Cashman, honoring his 24-year commitment to the Foundation’s mission and his steadfast partnership and leadership
The FRCF concluded with recognizing that the celebration for more than 1,500 first responders and their families was made possible by CSX, Turken, Heath and McCauley and Progress Rail.
The First Responders Children’s Foundation, honored more than 1,500 first responder family members and guests at its 24th annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Parade viewing for first responder families.
