CrimeCon @ Home to benefit the First Responders Children's Foundation
- By Website Editor
- •
- 06 May, 2020
The COVID-19 healthcare crisis has put our frontline workers and first responders squarely in the spotlight. In a time of unprecedented need, an entire nation turned their eyes to the unsung heroes among us and they have answered the call. Now it’s your turn to help them.
We are beyond honored to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to raise funds for first responder families who are struggling during the tremendous demands the COVD-19 pandemic has placed on their loved ones. Created in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York City, the Foundation aimed to help the 800 children that lost a first responder parent in the World Trade Center disaster.
Its mission is to provide financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by law enforcement and firefighting organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.
Since September 11, the Foundation continues to provide financial support to first responders and their families in the wake of tragic circumstances, as well as support to public safety agencies. For purposes of the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Grant, the Foundation has expanded its outreach of first responders to include medical personnel. Further, the Foundation has used its strong relationships with public safety agencies to create distribution channels for needed PPE and other supplies.
During the COVID-19 crisis, 1stRCF has:
Received over 3,000 grant applications (as of 5/5/20), receiving upwards to 400 a day.
Awarded over $2 million in Emergency Relief Grants.
Provided over 11,000 hotel rooms to firefighters to help prevent the spread of the virus from first responders to their families at home.
Distributed over 170,000 surgical grade masks to first responder agencies.
Paid for 16 funerals of first responders
Currently, the Foundation is preparing to supply substantial amounts of hand sanitizer to first responders -- and tens of thousands of toys to help comfort their children while they’re away.
That’s where YOU come in, true crime fans.
During our free streaming event, CrimeCon @ Home, we’ll ask viewers to join us in supporting 1stRCF so they can continue the incredible and critical work during the COVID-19 outbreak. Where does your money go? Glad you asked!
“We put money and resources directly into the hands of first responders and their families,” says 1stRCF Major Gifts Officer Sarah Greene. She explains that in addition to grants, PPE, and other supplies, 1stRCF uses donated funds to provide scholarships to children whose first responder parent has died or become permanently disabled.
Greene says it’s also important to understand why first responder families are experiencing such hardship during these unprecedented circumstances. Many have lost their day jobs and still show up to volunteer and help their communities. As an example, she explains that eighty percent of firefighters are volunteers, and many have lost their full-time jobs and now are asked to work overtime.
If a spouse has lost their job and healthcare coverage, they face potential for major medical expenses since the entire family now faces an increased risk of exposure to the virus.
In addition, because childcare facilities are limited or entirely closed, first responder families must find alternative childcare which presents an incredible financial burden.
“I think people are beginning to realize the overwhelming need for support for our first responders” says Greene. “These people are there for us every day. They are willing to die for us. We’re all safe at home, but they suit up and go to work. Many of them have to go into neighborhoods and areas where they’re not liked very much, but regardless, they’re going out there to protect us.”
CrimeCon @ Home takes place this Saturday, May 9 from 4:00-6:00pm ET. The FREE virtual event, which will stream live on Facebook, Instagram, and more, will be jam-packed with fun, fresh true crime content -- but you don’t have to wait until Saturday to support our first responder heroes! Click here or text CRIMECON to 76278 to give now.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
