By Lisa L. Colangelo New York Daily News
The Bryant Park Grill will be transformed into a holiday wonderland on Thanksgiving morning for the children of fallen and disabled firefighters and law enforcement officers.
Family members will get a front row seat to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while munching on goodies at the 14th annual National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation Breakfast.
“It really has become a nice tradition for my sons,” said Andrea O’Hagen, whose husband FDNY Lt. Thomas O’Hagen was killed in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Their twin are now 14 years old.
“The best part, aside from the kids enjoying themselves, is the chance to reach out to our extended FDNY family,” she said. “We don’t get to see each other than often.”
Alfred Kahn, a businessman who founded the organization, said he started the breakfast event in November 2001.
“We were heading into this joyous season right after 9/11 and I wanted to do something for these children who had just lost their father or mother,” he said. “Even though people were sad, the kids had a great time.”
Kahn said the mood has changed over the years and people look forward to the party to help kick off their holidays season. Over the years, the organization expanded its reach beyond 9/11 families to include all disabled firefighters and police officers.
The group also awards scholarships for the children of first responders.
“This is a really good way to start the holidays and show we are thankful for those first responders who put their lives on the line,” he said.
