A Celebration of First Responder Heroes

A Celebration of First Responder Heroes:

20TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS GALA & CONCERT IN TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY 

Silent Auction

In anticipation of the 20th Anniversary Awards Gala & Concert at City Winery, NYC, we are opening the silent auction early.  The proceeds from this silent auction will support First Responders Children's Foundation in its effort to provide financial assistance to our nation's first responders and their families.  

Online bidding will end on October 26 at midnight.  Final bidding will take place in person at the Awards Gala in New York City on October 27 at 7 pm.

Please click "Register Now" above to bid on the following items: 

Lot #1:  Vespa

This one-of-a-kind, custom 2021 Vespa GTV 300 “Freedom” scooter has artwork highlighting images of the Statue of Liberty, an American eagle, and American flags waving in the breeze.

Lot #2:  NYPD Harbor Launch Ride

Your group of six people will take a boat ride in New York Harbor aboard a 45-foot NYPD launch.  The boat will depart from the North Cove and take you as close as any boat can go to The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Manhattan Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Freedom Tower.

Lot #3:  Tour of NYPD Headquarters

Your group of six people will tour the behind-the-scenes inner workings at the NYPD headquarters at One Police Plaza.  You’ll visit the Joint Operations Center as well as the facial recognition and COMPSTAT rooms and receive a briefing from the Chief of the Department about daily activities and emergencies.

Lot #4:  FDNY 343 Helmet

This signature item from the FDNY comes with a letter from FDNY Commissioner Nigro presented in a leather-bound case and pays tribute to the 343 firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice on 9/11.

Lot #5:  College Scholarships

More than 200 first responders are killed in the line of duty each year, and each fatality leaves behind an average of 2.3 children, and this year’s 460 children will need help with their college tuition.   Fortunately, First Responders Children’s Foundation has been striving to meet this heartbreaking need for the past 20 years.  Ever since the 9/11 attacks when more than 800 children lost a parent, First Responders Children’s Foundation has provided college scholarships to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty which helps cushion the financial hardship these children face.  But, in order to help these children pay for college, we desperately need your help and the help of many generous donors.  The demand today is greater than ever before if we are to meet that need.   Helping to pay for a child’s college education has an immediate, positive, and powerful impact on the children of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens.  Please help us help these children.  We are deeply grateful for your support.

 Lot #6:  Diamond Earrings

14K gold, two-carat lab-grown diamond stud earrings from Smiling Rocks.   Smiling Rocks offers unique designs and one-of-a-kind styles in sustainable, conflict-free, lab-grown diamond jewelry.

Lot #7:  Hamilton on Broadway

You and a guest will see the hottest show on Broadway:   Hamilton.  We’ll get you prime, center orchestra seats, but you must give us 3 months' advance notice, and these tickets cannot be resold or re-auctioned.   Tickets based upon availability, to be scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon date, and blackout dates may apply.  Please avoid holiday weeks.

Lot #8:  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Your group of four will have a VIP in-person experience at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in a private viewing & hospitality area directly on the Parade route at Bryant Park on 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets.  Each year, First Responders Children’s Foundation hosts the children and families of first responders at a Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast and welcomes children and families of fallen heroes for breakfast and a front-row view of the Parade.  You will rub shoulders with the Commissioners of all the uniformed services in New York City who will join you in honoring our first responders and kicking off the holiday season.

Lot #9:  Broadway Musical Theatre & Hotel Package

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway, so take someone special to see a Broadway show – or two!  You’ll get a pair of tickets to the classic Broadway musical, “The Phantom of the Opera,” and another pair of tickets to Broadway’s newest hit, “Diana The Musical,” written by Joe DiPietro who created the Off-Broadway hit, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”  You’ll also get a two-night stay at The James NoMad Hotel in a Deluxe King room.

     Lot #10:  Two Nights at The Theater

Take home four tickets to holiday fun in the Off-Broadway play, “A Sherlock Carol,” which combines the stories of Sherlock Holmes with Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol.”  Then, invite a friend to join you at “Caroline or Change” on Broadway by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner.

 Lot #11:  Cold Weather Accessory Package

Spend this Winter in your new cashmere wrap, wool wrap, and coordinating gloves in fashion colors.

Lot #12:  Nina McLemore Gift Certificate

Nina McLemore designs a collection of clothing to address the needs of senior professional and executive women and women who are active in their communities. There is a significant void in the apparel industry of clothes for women who want beautiful, elegant, colorful, well-made clothing that fits and is appropriate for their position and lifestyle. The collection is made in New York of the finest natural fabrics and is designed to take a woman through all aspects of her life - day, evening, and leisure with a strong focus on travel.  The Collection is available nationwide through 14 Nina McLemore stores, exclusive local sales consultants, the internet, and better specialty stores.

Lot #13:  Tessa Earrings

These gold iridescent earrings are from Kendra Scott.  They are thoughtfully crafted pushing the boundaries of design and innovation while staying true to principles of color, shape, material, and value.

Lot #14:  Parenting Package

Take home an autographed copy of “Parenting with Sanity & Joy” and gain valuable parenting tips in a one-hour, private session with acclaimed parenting expert, Sue Groner, The Parenting Mentor.

Lot #15:  Fine Art Photograph by John Botte Saluting the 20 Year Commemoration of 9/11

This museum-quality photograph of monumental size (40” x 50”) by New York City police detective John Botte documents the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York City.  A series of photographs including this one were published in the book titled “Aftermath” in 2006 by Harper Collins.  The original photographs are extremely rare.  Renowned photographer/police detective John Botte was given privileged access to Ground Zero in the hours and days following the tragedy of 9/11 as he was assigned by the NYPD to document the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, and he spent more than 1,000 hours at Ground Zero in the days following the attacks.  Botte retired in 2003 from the NYPD reaching a rank of detective second grade, and he is now considered a world-class photographer and a sought-after adviser in the film and television industry.  He lives in New York City.  Fine Art Giclée Archival Pigment Print, Size 40” x 50".

 Lot #16:  Holiday Hostess Basket

Set up your home with all the holiday necessities including a sled cheese board, cookie jar, Santa Claus, serving utensils with candy cane handles star-shaped crystal candles, etc.  This holiday basket is the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

 Lot #17:  Collector Edition Halston Portrait Jigsaw Puzzle

This is the last portrait of the iconic designer Halston taken by his niece, Lesley Frowick, who is now in charge of his archive.  The photograph has been turned into a framed, wooden collector edition jigsaw puzzle by Art X Puzzles with Purpose.  Executed in 2021, this work is number 1 from an edition of 3, plus 2 artist's proofs and is accompanied by an electronic Certificate of Authenticity on a USB drive.  This piece comes with a special handcrafted engraved Art X Puzzles box, canvas bag, and silver and glass USB drive which holds additional information including the Halston Archive Artist Certificate, puzzle images, and the Halston story pertaining to the photograph.  The puzzle is 12” x 16.5” (30.5 x 41.9 cm).

Lot #18:  Andy Warhol in Clown Nose Collector Edition Jigsaw Puzzle

This collector edition, larger than life, giant jigsaw puzzle is Art X Puzzle's largest collector puzzle with 2,000 pieces and will have family and friends puzzling for days.  The original artwork is a silver gelatin print depicting Andy Warhol in a whimsical pose wearing a rubber, red nose at the Hotel Bauer Lac, Zurich, Switzerland taken by photographer Christopher Makos.  “This was taken in Zurich at the beginning of Lent, 1982.  Thomas Ammann, who was a big art dealer at the time, had invited us to a circus.  This must have been after the circus, at dinner somewhere.  I told him to put on the nose so the picture would be more fun” said photographer Christopher Makos.

Lot #19:  Two Jigsaw Puzzle Package

This collector edition, pre-assembled jigsaw puzzle from Art X Puzzles with Purpose by artist Paul Solberg is separated into four cardboard squares ready to slide together for a complete instant puzzle and/or to be broken down for puzzling fun and/or framing.  It comes with a custom-made, engraved wood box.  The original artwork is titled, “Philippe Petit, 2008,” and the artist explains, “On September 11, 2001, I worked next to the World Trade Center at 140 Broadway. After this seismic event, the new scar in the sky made New Yorkers reflect on who we are, who we were, and the meaning of the two towers that had abruptly disappeared.  In the dawn of 7 August 1972, floating amidst the clouds was high-wire artist Philippe Petit.  Much like the Statue of Liberty, this mythic feat embodied the wonder of New York and the democratic legacy of the United States and France. It was the ultimate defiance for liberté; defying both the law and the laws of gravity above the city of dreams.  This balancing flower bouquet commemorates the impossible weightlessness of the feline ghost of Gotham, Philippe Petit.”  Also take home a fine art quality jigsaw puzzle suitable for framing:  “The Kiss” by artist Donald Baechler who says, "In the same way I accumulate objects, I also accumulate images, and I find them arranging themselves into categories, too. And some images insist on being painted; others don't."

 Lot #20:  Weekend Relaxation with A Special Friend

Schedule some rest and relaxation with a bottle of champagne while building your own art suitable for framing.  You get two fine art quality jigsaw puzzles.  Reduce stress and tension, build a bond with a friend, and elevate your enjoyment of fine art.  The puzzles are “You Are Beautiful,” a collector edition of 200 by artist Michael Angelo, and “Tree of Light / Life” by artist Tatyanna Murray.   These unique collector items are one-of-a-kind with beautifully constructed puzzle pieces.

 Lot #21:  Boar Hunt II Jigsaw Puzzle

This collector edition jigsaw puzzle from Art X Puzzles is by artist Philip Colbert who is often referred to as the “godson of Andy Warhol.”  Colbert has created a global following for his cartoon lobster persona and his masterful hyper pop history paintings. His work powerfully explores the patterns of contemporary digital culture and its relationship to a deeper art historical dialogue.  Colbert's work has received international acclaim in museums and galleries worldwide for his energetic new approach to painting and pop theory. Colbert's paintings cross high art themes from old master paintings and contemporary art theory with everyday symbols of mass contemporary culture, all narrated through the eyes of Colbert's cartoon Lobster alter ego.

Lot #22:  Just Love Coffee

A coffee lover's gift basket from Just Love Coffee.

Lot #23:  The Oak Ridge Boys Autographed Guitar

Take home a brand new acoustic/electric, steel-string guitar autographed by all four of The Oak Ridge Boys.  The guitar comes with a black soft case and a stand.

Lot #24:  Remote Control Tesla

Give this rare, Hot Wheels® Tesla Cybertruck R/C toy car to your favorite automobile enthusiast.

Lot #25:  LEGO Bugatti

This LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron was developed in partnership with Bugatti Automobiles to capture the essence of the quintessential sports car including gleaming aerodynamic bodywork, a movable paddle gearshift, an active rear wing, and a W16 engine with moving pistons.

Lot #26:  America Girl Birthday Package

Give your special birthday girl an American Girl Doll Birthday Package for 6 children and 2 adults including a private space to celebrate, a set of invitations and matching thank-you notes, a delicious meal, and a signature cake served with ice cream, a commemorative keepsake for the birthday girl, a goody bag and doll tiara for each party guest, and a table activity and craft. Your birthday girl will also receive three dolls:

• Gabriela, the 2017 Girl of the Year™!  She's a true talent who gets creative for a cause. The 18" Gabriela doll has warm brown eyes that open and close and curly dark brown hair.
• Tenney:   The 18" Tenney doll has light brown eyes that open and close, freckles on her nose, and long, curly blond hair. Tenney’s unique hand positioning helps her hold her guitar, banjo, and pick!
• Z:  The 18" Z doll has warm brown eyes that open and close, and a beauty mark on her left cheek. Her dark brown hair can be brushed and styled.

Lot #27:  American Girl & Barbie Bonanza

Give this doll collection to a special child in your life.   The collection includes two American Girl dolls, three American Girl Activity Books, Barbie dolls and other toys sure to generate squeals of excitement.

Lot #28:  “Elf on the Shelf – A Christmas Musical”

4 tickets to experience the live production of “Elf on the Shelf – The Christmas Musical” during the 2021 holiday season.  Visit www.ElfOnTheShelfMusical.com to see all the cities and dates, and then pick the city and date that works for you for a VIP experience including a post-show photo opportunity.

Lot #29:  Unlimited Movies at Regal Theaters

Your unlimited all-access subscription allows you to watch as many movies as you want as many times as you want at Regal theaters for one year.  3D movies are exempt.

Lot #30:  Electronics Package

This electronics package includes an iPad Pro portfolio, iPad Pro Pencil, video camera, air pods, and ethernet cable.

 Lot #31:  Young Gentleman’s Activity Set

Give your favorite little guy LEGO superhero building sets including Avengers, Ninjago, Spiderman, and Star Wars.  Also included are audio speakers and sports balls.  Perfect for the young man in your family.

Lot #32:  NYPD Jazz Band Performance

The acclaimed, 12 piece NYPD Jazz Ensemble will play at your event in uniform for two hours.

Lot #33:  First Responders Thank You Basket

A basket of goods from FRthankyou.com.

Lot #34: FDNY Training Academy Tour

Your group of 12 will get a private tour of The FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island where every FDNY firefighter begins his or her career as one of New York City’s Bravest.  You will see how hundreds of FDNY members receive critical training to handle fire and EMS operations, hazardous material incidents, confined space, high-angle rescue, and terrorist-related incidents.  You will see state-of-the-art simulators, a marine ship simulator, and a subway simulator that replicates the conditions FDNY members face when responding to incidents.  Each year, military and first responders from around the world come to train with the FDNY at this one-of-a-kind facility.  On your guided tour, FDNY instructors will show you what people go through to earn the right to wear the FDNY uniform.

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Please note that final in-person bidding will take place on October 27 at the 20th Anniversary Gala & Concert at City Winery, NYC on Wednesday, October 27.  Please click here for more details and to reserve your place. 

If you are not able to attend the event in person, please contact lizzy@1stRCF.org for details on how you can still participate. Online bidders who win any prizes will be contacted by October 28th.  

Thank you and good luck!