Friends of Firefighters Peg May 5 For Dodgeball Fundraiser

You may have been good at dodgeball back in elementary school, but are you talented enough at aiming and veering to take on a team of firefighters? Find out at the Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, May 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m at the Fort Hamilton Army Base.

"We're looking forward to uniting the community and meeting new supporters of Friends of Firefighters," said Tony Catapano, a retired Fire Department of New York (FDNY) member.

There are many variations and nuances to the game of dodgeball. But the main objective of each team is to eliminate opposing teammembers by hitting them with balls, catching a ball thrown by a member of the opposing team, or forcing a member to move outside of court boundaries. It's good fun, a good workout and, on this particular spring day, a great way to contribute to a local nonprofit.

If aiming and dodging aren't your forte, however, there will be plenty of other family-friendly activities to participate in as well.

"We will have a number of great auction items, a 50/50 raffle, and a DJ as the music entertainment," said Meghan Zichelli, office manager for FoF. "We will also have kid's activities, such as games, face painting, and a bouncy castle."

There will also be barbecue and refreshments included in the price of the $25 ticket. Children attend for free. Guest are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to sit on.

Friends of Firefighters was started in 2001, just days after 343 members of the FDNY perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. , just around the corner from the Red Hook Raiders firehouse, which lost many members on September 11. Services provided by FoF include counseling for firefighters and their families, talk therapy, biofeedback, massage, acupuncture and peer support group workshops—as well as a comforting environment where firefighters can destress after a day on the job.

"As someone who volunteers at Friends of Firefighters, I can say this is a great organization to support," said Bill Hodgens, who is also a retired FDNY member. "This is their 2nd Annual Spring Fundraiser. Last year we played softball, sponsored by Marvel, and this year we'll have a dodgeball tournament. It will be a great day out for families and kids."

The Fort Hamilton Army Base is located at 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway. For tickets, call 718 643 0980 or e-mail info@friendsoffirefighters.org.