Ned Thompson was a first responder for the New York Police Department on Sept. 11, 2001. He worked the bucket brigade for weeks at Ground Zero. Despite being a non-smoker, Ned died on March 9 at age 39 of lung cancer, almost certainly caused by his selfless work near the fallen towers. He was survived by a wife and four daughters, all eight years old or younger. I am telling you this because there is a fundraiser tonight, April 28, for Ned Thompson. It is at the Galway Hooker restaurant at 7 E. 36th Street in Manhattan between 6-10 p.m. Baseball New York is strongly supporting this effort. Brian Cashman had sent Ned a signed baseball and a letter in the weeks before his passing that was said to bring him great happiness in his final days, and the Yankees are sending memorabilia to be auctioned off. The Mets donated an autographed Tom Seaver baseball. And Bobby Valentine, who was so involved in the post-tragedy efforts, sent autograph items from Japan that included a 2000 World Series program and a T-shirt commemorating his Chiba Lotte Marines 2005 pennant. It's $40 for music, food, and open bar. More info: contact PO Kristy Maloney, 212.741.4828.