CHICOPEE – A group of Thunderbirds fans are rallying around one of its players at the time of his need.

One of the organizers, Fran Malone, explained the reason behind a series of three fundraisers for the family of Thunderbirds player Anthony Greco.

Malone said, “They will be there on the day of the event with their games for children as well as adults. Anthony Greco who plays for the Thunderbirds is the son of former New York Fire Fighter Paul Greco. As stated in the flyers he was as Ground Zero on 9/11 and because of that day and the days that followed he developed a number of disabilities.

“In early 2019 the Greco Home on Long Island was re-modified to accommodate Paul Greco's disabilities. On April 29, while Paul Greco was in the hospital for eye surgery (one of his disabilities) the house burnt down. The Fans of the Thunderbirds came together as a group and started to plan this event. The Moose opened their doors for us and provided the pavilion, some of the food, and the cooks. Texas Roadhouse is providing some of the food along with Arnold’s Meat, and Olive Garden. There might be one or two others as the list keeps growing.

“We have two DJs that have volunteered to help with the music as well as a live band. Numerous businesses around the Chicopee/Springfield area have donated raffle prizes already with more expected. WWLP is doing a segment on their show Mass Appeal, which will air prior to the event and we have a number of the local fire departments starting to pitch in. Chicopee Fire Department donated $100 and one of their patches to be given to Paul Greco.”

The family is in temporary housing and may not be able to move back into their home for 10 months, according to Malone.

The first event is a benefit picnic at the Chicopee Moose Family Center on Aug. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 13 through 17, Children under 12 are free and there is a family pack for $50 (two adults and two-three children).

The other events, a benefit hockey game and a fundraising night at Texas Roadhouse in Springfield have yet to be scheduled.

Malone said people interested in tickets and more information should contact the group at ffpaulgrecofundraiser@gmail.com.