PHILADELPHIA, PA - The 5th Annual Andy Chan Holiday Block Party was held on Friday, December 20, on Second Street in Old City, Philadelphia. Participating locations included Cuba Libre, Nick’s Bar & Grille, JJ Bootleggers, Sassafras, Brownie’s Irish Pub, The Plough and the Stars, and Rotten Ralph’s Pub & Eatery.
The annual holiday fundraiser, now in its fifth year, was spearheaded by the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation and members of the law enforcement community to raise money for the family of Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Andy Chan. Officer Chan was severely injured in the line of duty in January 2019 and continues to face significant health challenges. Since his accident, he has remained incapacitated, requiring 24-hour care and frequent hospital and rehabilitation visits. Andy is supported by his wife, Teng Chan, and their two young children.
This year, in addition to honoring fallen heroes, the block party recognized individuals dedicated to supporting the community. Garnet Hathaway of the Philadelphia Flyers and his wife, Lindsay, were honored for their commitment to local first responders through their “Hath’s Heroes” program.
A portion of the event’s proceeds were also donated to eight families:
Officer Nick Bechtle, Philadelphia Police Department (injured June 2024)
Trooper Marcellus Bethea, NJ State Police (EOW 5/5/2024)
Trooper Peter Conforti, PA State Police (EOW 7/31/2024)
Trooper Bryan Gray, PA State Police (EOW 1/18/2024)
Officer Samuel Irvin, Mansfield Township Police Department (EOW 7/23/2023)
Sgt. Richard Mendez, Philadelphia Police Department (EOW 10/12/2023)
Sgt. Jaime Roman, Philadelphia Police Department (EOW 9/10/2024)
Chief Jeffrey Tomczak, Upper Gwynedd Fire Department (EOW 7/26/2024)
Friends and family members of Andy Chan, including his wife, Teng Chan, along with the families of the beneficiaries, were in attendance, along with hundreds of supporters and attendees.
In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the block party featured raffle prizes, a DJ, delicious food, and special guests, including the Avalon String Band, prominent members of the law enforcement community, Philadelphia sports mascots, and, Santa.
Mark O’Connor, Co-Founder of Families Behind the Badge, stated:
"It's important that these families know—the Chan family and all the others here tonight, and I think we have 17 different families here—that we’re never going to forget their loved ones. They will always be remembered, and we’ll always be there for them."
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