Answer the Call Organizes Events

The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, also known as Answer the Call, was founded by Rusty Staub in 1985. The fund assists families of New York-based first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service professionals, who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Answer the Call has established a support network and hosted special events to bring together families who share similar circumstances and experiences. Furthermore, the fund has launched internships for college students interested in contributing to the organization’s efforts. Today, the organization supports more than 550 families in New York.

Answer the Call provides two main forms of assistance to families struggling after the loss of their loved ones. First, the organization allocates funds to financially support families during the difficult, uncertain time following the death of their loved one. The fund grants each family an initial amount of $25,000. Afterward, the family joins the Benefit Fund family. Widowers and widows continue to receive lifetime financial support in the form of an annual stipend.

Additionally, Answer the Call helps families on a social level. They organize group events within their network to facilitate socializing between Benefit Fund families. For example, the organization holds golf tournaments throughout the year, providing spouses and children of first-responders an opportunity to mingle and enjoy their time together.

It has also established a long tradition of organizing an annual game and family day over the past 36 years. The event was held on June 23, 2021, and brought together families and children for a pre-game reception prior to the Mets and Atlanta Braves baseball game. Further, Answer the Call honors New York City’s first responders in its annual philanthropic gala. The 2021 edition celebrated Philip V. Moyles, Jr. for his commitment to the fund over the years.

Along with its events, Answer the Call also collaborates with other nonprofit organizations to produce major New York events. For instance, it was one of the principal co-organizers of Shine A Light. Hosted by CNN, the event consisted of a worldwide television special for the 20-year remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

To maintain its numerous projects and support network, Answer the Call relies on the hard work of volunteers and interns. Since its founding more than 30 years ago, volunteers have entirely run the organization. It also sets up internship opportunities targeting undergraduate college students interested in participating in Answer the Call events and efforts. The Answer the Call internship program is conducted remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Answer the Call interns assist the organization’s development staff with various tasks, including event planning and campaign promotion. In addition, participants gain professional skills in social media marketing, donor relations, PR outreach, and nonprofit management during the internship.

The intern role entails content creation for Answer the Call’s social media channels and blog. It also requires students to work on research projects and conduct phone interviews with the fund’s supporters. Additionally, interns are actively involved in creating marketing strategies and social media campaigns for the organization.