$25K TNVAC shot in arm

$25K TNVAC shot in arm

A familiar name in the history of the Throggs Neck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. has come to the aid of the vols once again.

Philanthropist Jack Rudin cut the non-profit organization a $25,000 check through his foundation after learning about their need for funds to stay in operation, the vols said.

It was the Rudin family who originally donated land to the corps. at 3955 East Tremont Ave., which eventually became TNVAC headquarters in the mid-1980s, said TNVAC chairman Bill Heaney.

“Their family owned a house where the property is now,” he said. “This donation will help us pay our bills and keep afloat until the next fundraiser.”

The ambulance corps’ leadership is hoping that after the next fund-raiser in February 2014, the organization will be on firmer financial footing, he said.

Rumors circulated during the summer that the corps was in trouble financially and may have to close.

The much needed shot-in-the-arm happened when Heaney mentioned to Senator Jeff Klein that the corps had written for assistance to the Rudin Foundation, given that the family had been so generous with TNCAP in the past.

What Heaney did not know was that Klein personally knew one of the Rudins.

“We actually just happen to mentioned it to him, and we found out,” said Heaney. “Senator Klein did a personal follow-up to our letter.”

Klein said he was glad to help the local non-profit which has provided free medical services to the Throggs Neck community for three decades.

At the same time, it has also provided valuable medical training to volunteers.

“The Throggs Neck Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides a tremendous service to our community, so I felt it was important to do everything I could to keep them up and running,” Klein said of his intervention with the Rudins on their behalf.

“Their volunteers go beyond the call of duty to help keep members of our community safe and healthy. When someone needs their help, they’re always there.”

Klein added: “That’s why I’m pleased to have helped TNVAC secure the funds they needed to continue serving the people of Throggs Neck and beyond. We also owe a big thank you to the Rudin family for their support.”

TNVAC also hopes to finally receive a $50,000 grant recently allocated to TNVAC by Council Speaker Christine Quinn, said Heaney.

Patrick Rocchio can be reach via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 742-3393