CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Estranged former Cub Sammy Sosa hit a home run with Chicago first responders on Friday, as he made a number of charitable donations while back in town for a few days.
“For me, it’s everything,” Sosa said.
First responders took no issue in letting bygones be bygones, as they and their families huddled around Sosa inside the firehouse for Engine No. 98 in Streeterville. Sosa signed everything that was handed to him — including a couple of big checks, which he handed to local charities that serve first responders and the surviving families of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
“This is amazing,” said Danny Fortuna, chairman of the Chicago Fire Department’s Widows and Orphans Fund. “I can’t believe I’m meeting you in person — and I’m a Sox fan,”
Fortuna accepted a $10,000 check from Sosa, which will help the organization to continue its work of supporting the children of firefighters and paramedics who are killed in the line of duty and their widows.
“It’s great to know that Sammy Sosa’s back home, and Sammy Sosa’s here to help our organization, and thank you once again,” Fortuna said.
Sosa signed a separate $10,000 check and handed it to Elizabeth French. French was present on behalf of the nonprofit Light the Line, which she co-founded after the line-of-duty death of her daughter: Chicago Police Officer Ella French.
“We are so blessedly grateful to Sammy Sosa for helping us with our mission,” she said. “I am overwhelmed, and thank you so much. Thank you.”
Officer Carlos Yanez, who was seriously wounded while serving as French’s partner, helped accept the check for Light the Line.
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