[Press Release] Thank You First Responder Announces 2024 National First Responders Day Celebration at Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2024
Contact: Thank You First Responder PR
(954)762-7000 | Media@ThankYouFirstResponder.org
@ThankYouFirstResponder

 

Thank You First Responder Announces 2024 National First Responders Day Celebration at Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex

Jonny McCoy, CEO of WhiteFlag App to be honored with the 2024 Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – October 11, 2024 – Join Thank You First Responder (TYFRO), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting First Responders, on October 28th at the Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex for a heartfelt celebration honoring the dedication and bravery of our nation’s First Responders. This 2024 National First Responders Day event pays tribute to the heroes who are first on the scene during emergencies, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, 911 operators and more recognizing their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities.

The National First Responders Day event offers an uplifting opportunity for the community to come together in appreciation of our local heroes. As a token of gratitude each First Responder will receive complimentary food and drink in the concession area in addition to a 10% discount inside The Federal, while the general public enjoys free admission to the festivities. Everyone can indulge in free ice cream, available until supplies last. First Responder families, up to four members, are invited to enjoy ice skating activities at no charge, adding a touch of fun to the day’s celebration event. Attendees will also have the chance to meet and personally thank First Responders who tirelessly serve and protect our communities.

Stanton Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director of TYFRO, stated, “Our nation’s First Responders exemplify courage and selflessness. This day is an opportunity to recognize their sacrifices and ensure they receive the necessary support. We are dedicated to fostering a ‘Culture of Thank You ’ across our nation.”

Florida Panthers COO Bryce Hollweg, a former Captain of the West Point Hockey Team, expressed, “As a former athlete and Army officer, I deeply value the principles of dedication and teamwork, which our First Responders exemplify daily. The National First Responders Day celebration offers a crucial opportunity to honor these courageous and resilient heroes. Baptist Health IcePlex is proud to host this celebration reinforcing our community’s commitment to supporting those who protect us.”

A significant highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award to Jonny McCoy, the CEO and Founder of WhiteFlag App, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to mental health for First Responders. WhiteFlag is a free mental health app that provides specialized and anonymous peer-to-peer support to those struggling including First Responders.

Official Program & Awards Schedule

4:30 – 5:00pm  Doors open with registration, welcome and meet and greet with First Responders
5:00 – 6:00pm  Fire & ICE Hockey Game: Police vs. Firefighters
6:15 – 7:45pm  Ice Skating for First Responders + Families (total 4)
5:00 – 7:00pm  Battle of The Paddle, Pickleball Tournament: Police vs. Firefighters
7:30 – 8:30pm  Official Program

• Hosted by TYFRO and Baptist Health IcePlex with welcome remarks by Florida Panthers COO, Bryce Hollweg. 
• Presentation of the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award to Jonny McCoy, CEO of WhiteFlag App focused on mental health
• Musical performance by TYFRO Co-Founder Matt Jackson. Also recognition and awarding of prizes for the First Responder Hockey and Pickleball participants.

Sports Viewing Entertainment

7:00pm  Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres on the big screens inside IcePlex
7:30pm  Miami Heat host the Detroit Pistons on TV inside The Federal
8:15pm  NFL Monday Night Football featuring N.Y. Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and World Series Game 3 broadcasts (Teams TBD) on TV inside The Federal.

National First Responders Day became officially recognized after a successful advocacy campaign led by Thank You First Responder Organization, resulting in a White House Proclamation on October 27, 2022. Sponsorship opportunities are available; for inquiries, contact Sponsor@ThankYouFirstResponder.org. Our 2024 sponsors include The Stacy Foundation, ABA Centers of Florida, The GEO Foundation, Alterna Equity Partners, The John Maxwell Foundation, Team JK – One Sotheby’s International Realty, and Biederman Real Estate and Auctioneers.

About Thank You First Responder
Thank You First Responder (TYFRO) is a national grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2014 to raise awareness, support, celebrate, honor and most importantly create a “Culture of Thank You” for all of our Nation’s First Responders for the difficult job they do every day by putting their lives on the line to protect and enhance our country and way of life.  Through our initiatives of providing Mental Health First Aid resources to facilitate learning engagement with First Responders, our upcoming Local Heroes Program, and the Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award, TYFRO is dedicated to supporting the efforts and sacrifices of First Responders to ensure gratitude towards those who serve our communities. TYFRO also successfully spearheaded the creation of a national day of appreciation on October 28 – National First Responders Day. For more information, please visit ThankYouFirstResponder.org or call 954.762.7000. Watch our Official Music Video.
#ThankYouFirstResponder #CultureOfThankYou #NationalFirstRespondersDay #TYFRO #LocalHeroes