As we all go through the daily routines of our busy lives, the words 'First Responders' are usually not top of mind. But in times of need, such as medical emergencies, car accidents, or home fires, they are the ones we think of first. We entrust first responders with our lives, hoping we never have to call them, yet confidently knowing they will be there if we need them.
First responders - EMS, Fire and Police - are both volunteer and paid, men and women, who have made a commitment to public service, often without regard for their own personal safety. We've seen their heroism time and again during times of crisis, as recently as last week in Arizona where 19 firefighters were killed trying to save a town that was engulfed by flames. Right here in Rockland, we saw it during Hurricane Sandy, where hundreds of first responders were out in the community assisting individuals trapped in their homes, directing car traffic for days in towns with no electricity, and bringing families to safety when their homes were washed away in the floods. Last month, they were on the scene when an explosion occurred at Nyack College, tending to the injured and transporting them to the hospital, and searching for anyone who may have been trapped.
What drives so many of these individuals is not the accolades or the parades, but the desire to make a difference. That being said, it is important that they be recognized for all they do. Which is why the Rockland Community Foundation is proud to be honoring our county's First Responders at our Annual Benefit Gala on October 10. Throughout the evening, we will be highlighting and saluting their selfless acts of heroism, culminating in the presentation of our Pride of Rockland Award to Gordon Wren, Fire & Emergency Director for Rockland County, who will be accepting the award on behalf of all our county's first responders.
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Please join us on October 10, 2013 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at the Hudson Water Club in West Haverstraw as we honor these brave men and women who, although they may not first in our thoughts, are always first on the scene when we need them!
Tickets for the evening can be purchased online at rocklandgives.org, or via check payable to the Rockland Community Foundation. If you cannot attend, please consider sponsoring a First Responder in your neighborhood, with a donation that will enable him or her to attend this incomparable event. More information can be found on our website.
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About the Community Cares Blog and the Rockland Community Foundation
The Community Cares Blog, hosted by the Rockland Community Foundation, celebrates the spirit of giving in our community. Each week, we will post a story of philanthropy or shine a spotlight on an activity that is making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We invite Rockland non-profits, individuals and businesses to contribute to the Community Cares blog by sending an email to info@rocklandgives.org.
As the umbrella charitable organization for the county, the Rockland Community Foundation is working to connect donors with the causes they care about most. Our grants support a wide range of interests and, with the support of Rockland residents and businesses, we are committed to a path of growth that will enable us to help the non-profit community continue their vital work. You can learn more by visiting us athttp://www.rocklandgives.org.
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