STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Patrizia’s of Staten Island, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, will host its third annual fundraising event on Monday, Sept. 8, to commemorate and preserve the legacy of James De Matteo, a heroic Staten Islander.
The event, titled “An Evening That We Will Never Forget,” benefits the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Never Forget Fund, according to De Matteo’s son, Nicholas De Matteo.
James De Matteo, who was born in Brooklyn but moved to Staten Island to raise his family, worked for 30 years in finance and commercial real estate on Wall Street.
On Sept. 11, 2001, the Bulls Head resident saved multiple people in the streets of lower Manhattan. He even used his tie as a tourniquet to help a bleeding woman who was hit by debris.
He died in 2022, at the age of 61, due to 9/11 related illnesses.
“A lot of the heavy focus is on the police officers and firemen, and deservingly so, but there were a lot of heroes that day that were in suits and ties that jumped into action and became first responders” said Nicholas De Matteo. “I always like to try to get that out there, to remember my dad and all others like him for all their heroic actions that day.”
Nicholas De Matteo, also of Bulls Head, is a member of the 9/11 Memorial Visionary Network and the Knights of Columbus. After his father’s death, he went in search of a way to honor his heroism and continue to share his story.
“So after my father passed I was looking for what to do with it all. What can I do to help myself? What can I do to also help the greater 911 community? Because I know I’m not alone. There’s no way I’m alone,” he recalled.
It was then that Nicholas De Matteo came up with “An Evening That We Will Never Forget.” The event, which has taken place at Patrizia’s of Staten Island since its conception, has raised close to $40,000, he said.
Nicholas De Matteo added that all funds raised have been matched by former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and go towards preserving the 9/11 museum and supporting local schools to ensure the next generation continues to commemorate 9/11 heroes.
This year, the event starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Patrizia’s Great Kills location at 4255 Amboy Road. Attendance costs $90 per person and will include the restaurant’s family-style menu, drinks and live performances. The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle, raffles with prizes donated by local businesses and a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas or Disney World.
Those interested in attending can contact Patrizia’s of Staten Island and pay by phone at 718-317-6600. Checks can be made payable to the Knights of Columbus, Council 16134. P.O. Box 131509, Staten Island, 10313.
Those who are unable to attend can donate to the cause at https://donate.neverforget.fund/a/ndematteo.
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