Saturday, October 27, 2001
Updated: October 30, 7:03 PM ET
Lost firefighter's daughter will sit next to Spike
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Jessica De Rubbio's seat to watch Michael Jordan
in his comeback game Tuesday night cost $101,300, but she won't be
getting a bill anytime soon.
The courtside seat at Madison Square Garden is one of two
belonging to director Spike Lee. It was auctioned off to benefit
the Widow's and Children's Fund set up by the New York Fire
Department.
The fund selected 12-year-old Jessica, daughter of firefighter
David De Rubbio, who was killed Sept. 11 in the terrorist attacks
at the World Trade Center. The 38-year-old De Rubbio was from
Engine Co. 226 in Brooklyn.
The auction winner has insisted on remaining anonymous.
"I just thought about what I could do to have the most
impact," said Lee, a rabid New York Knicks fan. "And then I had
to clear it with my wife. It's her seat."
Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships,
returned to the court against the Knicks after a 3½-year
retirement.
