GSF + ATD: Serving Meals of Gratitude and Presenting Grants for First Responders

The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and American Tire Distributors (ATD) came together on Tuesday, September 10, the day before the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001, to honor and support Pittsburgh-area first responders to serve meals of gratitude through Serving Heroes. Serving Heroes is a powerful opportunity to connect with and express gratitude to the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day. 

MLB All-Star and Pittsburgh Pirates Pitching Sensation Paul Skenes, who has been raising money for the Gary Sinise Foundation all season long, also came out to support and serve meals—a symbol of appreciation for those on the frontlines who keep our neighborhoods safe.  To-date, the Gary Sinise Foundation has served more than one million meals of gratitude around the country.

In addition, GSF and ATD presented grants totaling more than $150,000 to six local departments in the Pittsburgh region, funding essential life-saving equipment to help them perform their jobs to the best of their ability as part of GSF’s First Responders Outreach program. Those departments include: 

• Butler County Fire Police Association - $21,000 for new mobile and handheld radio units

• South Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company - $10,000 for new ventilation fans

• Vigilant Hose Co. #1 of Port Vue, PA - $11,000 for battery powered fan and generator

• Gallatin-Sunnyside Volunteer Fire Department - $76,000 for Fire & Rescue Training Prop Storage Container Building

• Greensburg Volunteer Hose Co No 7 - $22,000 for new radio units

• Baldwin Emergency Medical Service - $14,000 for new Stop the Bleed Equipment. 

“It’s been an absolute honor to partner with GSF in supporting our nation’s bravest men and women. Since 2019, ATD has raised over $5 million, making a real impact on the lives of those who serve and protect us. Through the continued commitment of our associates and customers, we’re able to directly support local first responders in southwestern Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Rebecca Sinclair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer at ATD.

This event is part of a broader initiative by GSF across Pennsylvania and New York to honor and commemorate our nation's heroes. In addition to saluting our heroes in Pittsburgh, the Gary Sinise Foundation was also in New York to visit local firehouses, serve meals of gratitude, uplift service members and present a grant to the FDNY Foundation. 

“There are so many images burned into my mind forever from the attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. And seeing all the incredible first responders who came together, running towards danger to save lives and support the recovery, after that terrible day I wanted to support them in whatever ways I could,” said Actor, Humanitarian and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gary Sinise. “In 2003, I began regular trips to New York in support of the FDNY and NYPD and when I started the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011, it was important to me that we included a First Responder Outreach program, serving and uplifting first responders, the heroes of our communities, as an integral part of our mission. That is why we are proactive in showing our appreciation and gratitude to the courageous fire fighters, police officers and emergency personnel who work to ensure our communities are safe, not just when tragedy strikes but all year round. Serving meals of gratitude and funding vital equipment and training for our heroic first responders are two of many initiatives at the Gary Sinise Foundation and a simple way to remind them that the country cares, we are grateful for their service, and we do not forget.”

The Gary Sinise Foundation is also collaborating with the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa to bring local high school students born after September 11 to each museum and pair them with a first responder who lived through September 11, to bridge that knowledge across generations. 

Learn more about ATD’s commitment to our nation’s heroes by visiting our social responsibility page. For more information on the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit their website.