Last week there was a horrific fire in the Belmont section of the Bronx. Seven people perished in the blaze. Families destroyed forever. When something like this happens, as a human being, you want to help out anyway that you can.
Chazz Palminteri (left) with Ray Negron (right). Credit: Ray Negron
If you are Chazz Palminteri and you grew up in that neighborhood then it really hits home. Knowing Chazz the way that I do, it did not surprise me that he would get together with his friends, film legend Robert De Niro and music icon, Tommy Mottola, to do something to help.
The three pals — co-producers of the great Broadway play, “A Bronx Tale” — decided to give four dollars from every ticket sold to aid victims who lived in the Prospect Avenue building.
Having known Chazz and Mottola for a long time, I am not surprised by their generosity.
I have always found Chazz to be a very humble man that I can always go to for help with anything. And the brother is always there for me. Chazz and Mottola have never forgotten where they came from. I have always been a lover of the arts and to say that I idolize these three men would be an understatement.
Many times when you meet your heroes, they sometimes tend to disappoint. I can guarantee you that this is not the case with these three men. New York is very lucky to have them in our great city. They just don’t live in New York, they really care about our city.
Philosophers say actions speak louder than words. In the case of these three men, their actions speak volumes and are highly appreciated.
I guess this is just another Bronx Tale.
Ray Negron is the original batboy of the NY Yankees. He is an acclaimed author, producer, and a community consultant with the Yankees organization. He can be heard Saturday-Sunday at noon on Impact ESPN Radio 1050AM.
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