PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An all-day event has kicked off to benefit the children of Philadelphia police and firefighters lost in the line of duty, and they hope you show up hungry.
Philadelphia Fire Lt. Mike Foley has been in charge of this event for years, which sees officers and firefighters grilling up cheesesteaks under tents in the parking lot of a Northeast Philadelphia restaurant.
"This is our first time back since last year's hiatus because of COVID," he said. "We have been doing it pretty much since 2008 to raise money. And that fund goes to the children of police and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. It helps pay for their college tuition."
It's a walk-up event, running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and beginning at Sharkey's Grill and Ale House. Each cheesesteak is $5. Running the grills are off-duty Philadelphia firefighters.
"They have been doing it for many years," said Foley. "We also do this in Maryland for softball tournaments, so lots of experience. These guys really know how to chop up some meat and get it going. Because we are hoping to serve about 1200 sandwiches."
All the proceeds go to the Hero Thrill Show Inc.