Naperville pub to raise money for world firefighters' foundation

I recently wrote about the Gear Up Foundation, an initiative founded by Vincent Forras, a New York firefighter who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Several weeks into the clean up, Forras fell into a void, fully equipped in gear, and no one heard his cries for help. In time, his feet were burning and, as he tells it, he saw little hope for survival. He prayed that if he lived, he'd do something to make a difference in the world. Miraculously, he found his way out.

Soon after, he organized the Gear Up Foundation, a group of firefighters helping firefighters worldwide. I urge you to visit gearupfoundation.org to see how the nonprofit organization helping firefighters in developing countries has evolved. Today, help also is needed at home to serve the unmet health care challenges of many of the 40,000 World Trade Center rescue workers who now suffer from exposure to toxic substances.

Members of the Naperville Exchange Club, Rotary Clubs and fire department met Forras and singer Joe Cantafio in June. We listened intently as Forras recounted his story and we wanted to know how to help.

Cantafio explained that the Gear Up Foundation's first international convention will be Sept. 14 to 16 at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. Friday is set aside for professional firefighters to meet with their brothers for a little R&R. The public is welcome on Saturday and Sunday.

Rotarian Nancy Quigley, a member the Naperville Emergency Management Agency, demonstrated her passion for public safety during Rotary strategic planning sessions earlier this year. As an active NEMA volunteer, Quigley is trained in search and rescue. She's a member of a crew that can assist with extra lighting during emergencies and help fill air tanks and set up coffee canteens during rescue operations. For her own protection, she's equipped with firefighter gear.

One thing led to another, and the International Service Committee of Naperville Rotary/Downtown selected the Gear Up Foundation as one of its projects. Quigley offered her pub to hold an event on Sept. 11. And everything fell in place quickly.

Last week, Cantafio visited Rotary/Downtown. Between stories about travels with his 101st Rock Division Band to entertain U.S. troops in Iraq and his connections with the Gear Up Foundation, Cantafio sang and played guitar.

He'll return to Naperville Tuesday to ignite festivities immediately following the observance at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower/Sept. 11 Memorial.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown will hold a Tribute to First Responders at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave.

World Trade Center survivor Joe Dittmar plans to attend. Admission is free. It's a cash bar. And likely a fire helmet and a boot or two will be passed.

The other day I watched a 6-year-old with a fascination for "first responder" action figures.

I asked Cantafio if the convention would interest youngsters.

"Lots of vintage fire trucks will be there," he said. "From old to the newest state-of-the-art equipment will be on exhibit -- and there'll be tons of firefighters walking around, both foreign and domestic," he said. "Children will have a chance to meet these true heroes, including getting pictures and autographs."

"Public safety is my passion," Quigley said. "We hope to raise some funds for the Gear Up Foundation and the needs of firefighters everywhere. I think it's a shame that still useable, perfectly good firefighter gear is often thrown away when it could be used by other fire departments in America and around the world."

Quigley said she has her own set of boots that she hopes to fill with cash.

The words had hardly rolled off her tongue when the tune of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin' " began to resonate. Perhaps Cantifio can come up with some new words for the old song when this Nancy's boots are passed.

If you go

What: Tribute to First Responders

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville

Cost: Free, donations encouraged

Info: (630) 428-4747