Steinbrenner underwrites FDNY fund
 

Love him or hate him, his charitable work usually goes unnoticed

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08272007...ed_by_boss.htm

August 27, 2007 -- The family of fallen firefighter Joseph Graffagnino will join an anguished fraternity of those served by the 25-year-old Silver Shield Foundation.

The organization, founded by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, provides funds, counseling, outings and even annual physicals to the wives and children of firefighters and cops killed in the line of duty.

The two children of Graffagnino, 34, who died battling the Deutsche Bank blaze Aug. 18, will each receive $24,000 for education.

Steinbrenner spearheaded the charity 25 years ago when he attended the funeral of another fallen hero, a city cop.

During the ceremony, "The Boss" witnessed the officer's wife with her children by her side, being handed a folded American flag, and he vowed to help them and others.

The normally hard-boiled Steinbrenner was so touched, he vowed to donate the proceeds from a Yankees game every year to underwrite the initiative.

Additional reporting by Patrick Gallahue

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That's a nice story. I know many people hate him... but, for what? For spending money to try to field a competitive team? (And, yes, I'm a Yankees fan.)

Anyway, good for him! :thumbup: