Steven Van Zandt[1] not only asks his friends to buy tables at his Little Steven’s Policeman’s Ball each year; he also asks them not to attend the gala at the Mandarin Oriental.
“I tell them, ‘Don’t come,’ so the police and their families can come,” Van Zandt told me.
The longtime guitarist for Bruce Springsteen said the benefit started years ago as the Midtown North Detective Squad’s holiday party, organized by his friend, retired NYPD Detective Kevin Schroeder.
When Van Zandt learned the event was raising just $15,000 for the Detectives’ Endowment Association’s Widows’ & Children’s Fund, he decided to get involved.
“With a little luck, we might pass $1 million this year,” the “Sopranos” actor said.
The Dec. 19 gala will feature performances by the Max Weinberg Orchestra, Gary U.S. Bonds and Killer Joe.
“What I hate most in the world is asking people for money, but I do it,” he said. “Please contribute, and then don’t come.”
References
- ^ Steven Van Zandt (pagesix.com)