July 23, 2002 For Immediate Release	Contact: Albert O'Leary 212-298-9190 or Joseph Mancini 212-298-9150

Statement Regarding PBA Widows' and Children's Fund and 9/11 Donations

Following the events of September 11, the PBA Widows' and Children's Fund, Inc. received many generous donations and distributed more than $310,000 to each of the families of the twenty-three police officers killed in the line of duty that day. An advisory panel of police widows from several generations, including September 11 widows, was formed to advise the Fund's directors concerning the distribution of donations received after September 11. The Fund's decisions with respect to the distribution of these donations was reviewed by a private, independent accounting firm, and the Fund also invited the New York State Attorney General, who is responsible for overseeing charities, to review the distribution of these donations. All of the money specifically designated for the families of September 11 heroes has been distributed. The PBA is grateful to the public for supporting the families of its members.

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