Friends helping a friend

Fundraiser held in support of former Est Rockaway fire chief

Posted

Hundreds of people gathered last Saturday afternoon at the Franklin Square and Munson fire headquarters for a fundraiser for Danny Pignataro, a Nassau County AMT and East Rockaway ex-fire chief, who is currently battling colon cancer.

By one count, more than 650 supporters attended the fundraiser, for Pignataro, nicknamed “Piggy,” whose battle with the disease has taken its toll emotionally and financially on him and his family.

The event featured raffles, including a 50/50, a Chinese auction, and a simultaneous performance by the Nassau County Firefighters and Nassau County Police Pipes and Drum Bands.

The event, dubbed “Friends Helping a Friend,’ was put together by Pignataro’s friends, family, brothers and sisters of the fire service, and co-workers with NCPD EAB.

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of love shown by everyone yesterday,” Pignataro wrote on a Facebook post to all that attended. “The words ‘thank you’ cannot begin to express our appreciation and gratitude. We now feel that our already big family is bigger and more blessed because of all of you. We Love You All from the bottom of our Hearts!! Danny, Patty, Emily and Little Daniel.”

If you could not attend, and would like to donate, or would like more information, email Letshelpdanny@gmail.com.