Rosanna Scotto chairs benefit for police, fire widows

September 25, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

“Good Day New York” co-anchor Rosanna Scotto is the honorary chair of the New York Police & Fire Widows & Children’s Benefit Fund on Oct. 23.

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Fans who enjoy watching of Rosanna Scotto on “Good Day New York” now have even more reason to admire the television host. Scotto, a native of Dyker Heights, will be the honorary chair at the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund’s 29th Annual Gala, to take place at the Waldorf Astoria on Oct. 23.

The event will honor William A. Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, LP.

“We are thrilled to announce that Rosanna Scotto will serve as an honorary chair of our 29th Annual Gala. Rosanna Scotto is a quintessential New Yorker with a generous heart and a philanthropic spirit,” said Lauren Profeta, benefit fund associate director of development. “Our gala pays tribute to New York City’s fallen first responders and raises much needed funds for the families they have left behind,” she said.

The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund provides assistance to the families of New York City police officers, firefighters, Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) cops and EMS personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Since its inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the charity has distributed over $128 million to hundreds of families. Last year, the benefit fund provided support to over 600 families and distributed over $2.5 million.

“It is an honor to be a part of an event that supports the families of NYPD, FDNY and PAPD workers, who work so hard to keep this city of ours safe,” Scotto said.

Scotto has been a member of WNYW-FOX 5 News since 1986 and has won three Emmys for anchoring FOX 5 News at 10. She is the co-anchor, along with Greg Kelly, of “Good Day New York.” She is the winner of the 1995 New York State Associated Press First Place Award for her report “New York Survival Guide” and also the winner of three other Associated Press First Place Awards, including two special Associated Press Award nominations.

As a reporter, she has covered many famous news stories over the years, including conducting the first exclusive interview with Diana Bianchi, the other woman in the Christie Brinkley divorce case. She covered the Woody Allen/Mia Farrow child custody battle, the notorious “Preppie Murder Trial” and the trials of Joel Steinberg and the “Swiss Nanny.”

She is a graduate of Catholic University and holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She received an honorary doctorate from Mount St. Mary College in 2014. She lives in the New York area with her husband and their two children.

For more information on the benefit fund, visit http://www.answerthecall.org