This is our flagship annual event where we remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001—especially FDNY Lt. Joseph Gullickson, one of the “Seven in Heaven” who were lost from Ladder 101 of the “Red Hook Raiders.”
Picnic DetailsJoe always loved getting family, friends, and neighbors together at his house for an outdoor barbecue where he would exchange jokes and stories, share his passion for music (especially the Grateful Dead), recount the heroic exploits of our greatest generation, talk about his favorite Honeymooners episodes or movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Lonesome Dove. He would pick up the basketball and initiate games of 21 in the driveway, while talking about Larry Bird.
The last time Joe had the opportunity to revel in the day like this was at his daughter Isabel’s first birthday party in late August 2001. Joe’s daughters, Amanda, 3, and Isabel, 1, were just getting to know their dad on what should have been a lifelong journey, when that was viciously and cowardly stolen from them on September 11, 2001.
In Joe’s spirit, the Maverick Foundation carries on the picnic tradition. It is a fun-filled day for families with food, drinks, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, and face painting. The event also remembers September 11 with the help of FDNY Truck “343,” Bob Barker’s Red Hook Raider “Seven in Heaven” race car, and Jerry Sculley’s rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
The ceremony also updates our supporters on the progress of all scholarship recipients, and introduces the new recipients. There is always a raffle as well that includes exciting prizes such as Yankees tickets, bicycles, JetBlue “Fly Anywhere” passes, iPads, iPods, and other electronics.
To continue our connection with the Ladder 101 and Engine 202 Firehouse, the Maverick Foundation recognizes one firefighter each year with a plaque, a T-shirt, and New York Yankees tickets courtesy of a longtime friend of the foundation Ted Farinella.
Jack was a retired FDNY Captain, an Air Force veteran, and a Knights of Columbus member. He was also a Eucharistic minister and founded St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, Florida.
Bill was a longtime friend of the foundation and a founding board member who always brought thoughtful insights and ideas to the table at a time when the organization was still finding its way. Bill was a lifelong New Yorker and a columnist for the New York Daily News for 38 years. He often covered stories of people who went from being down-and-out to living happy and useful lives. As a plaque in his honor put it, he “wrote about ordinary New Yorkers in an extraordinary way.”
This award is given to one community member each year who demonstrates service, dedication, and support of the foundation.
