Hoops and hearts unite for New York Firefighters Foundation at Madison Square Garden

The New York Firefighters Foundation received a big boost during the Feb. 6 men’s basketball game at Madison Square Garden between Big East powerhouses St. John’s and UConn.

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., which was the presenting sponsor of the games, dedicated its space on the MSG marquee to the New York Firefighters Foundation in an effort to rally fans behind the foundation, which provides critical financial aid and resources to FDNY families facing off-duty injuries, serious childhood illness, complicated births and unimaginable loss.

During the game, Sullivan Papain leadership, alongside cosponsor LBi Software, presented a $10,000 check to the foundation in an on-court ceremony as part of their season-long Rally for Firefighters campaign.

Accepting the contribution on behalf of the New York Firefighters Foundation and fellow firefighters will be Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) President Andrew Ansbro, Vice President Bobby Eustace and Treasurer Chris Viola.

A graphic displayed on Gardenvision and arena boards featured a QR code inviting fans to donate directly to the foundation. Organizers emphasized that every contribution counts.

The ceremony also spotlighted FDNY Lt. Tim Cashion’s daughter, Izzy, who is battling a rare and aggressive brain cancer known as DIPG. Despite her illness, Izzy recently donated her birthday gifts and toys to children in a pediatric cancer hospital, offering comfort and joy to other young patients.

“Sullivan Papain has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with New York’s firefighters for over four decades,” said TJ McManus, Managing Member of Sullivan Papain. “Tonight, we are proud to continue that legacy by supporting the New York Firefighters Foundation and families like the Cashions. Izzy’s selflessness reminds us all why this work matters. True heroes give even when they are the ones in need.”

Sullivan Papain is one of New York’s leading plaintiffs’ personal-injury and complex-litigation firms and has served as General Counsel to the FDNY and UFA for more than 40 years.

From left: Allan Houston, Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro, John Starks, and Thomas J. McManusPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Otoja AbitPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud

Photo by Ramy Mahmoud

Otoja Abit and Thomas J. McManusPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud

Allan Houston, Thomas J. McManus, and John StarksPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud