More than a dozen Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas" stars, including cast members from "Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story," visited a Chicago firehouse Tuesday to offer support to first responders mourning the loss of one of their own.
Firefighter/EMT Michael "Mickey" Altman of Truck 47 passed away March 17 from injuries he had sustained the day before while fighting a Rogers Park apartment building fire. He was 27. Altman was a fourth-generation Chicago firefighter and soon-to-be father of two.
With Hallmark seeking a local cause to support and lead actor Robert Buckley playing a firefighter in "Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story," the Bears connected Hallmark with Altman's firehouse at 6030 N. Clark St.
"When Hallmark indicated to us that the lead in the movie was a firefighter and that they wanted to find a way to give back while they were in Chicago, the tragic passing in March of CFD Firefighter Michael "Mickey" Altman immediately came to mind," said Director of Bears Care Marge Hamm. "It seemed like the right place to connect their wishes with a family and community of first responders that truly needed the support."
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"At Hallmark, we talk about ourselves as a purpose-driven brand and we try to put our money where our mouth is," said Annie Howell, Hallmark's chief communications officer. "We really do go out beyond the screen to put joy and warmth and positivity in the world and make connections.
"And so, when we go to local communities, we do look for ways to give back, whether it's visiting hospitals or looking for ways to thank first responders. First responders are a significant portion of our audience; we're told over and over and over how much they appreciate what we do.
"Our brand is connecting in the world, whether it's through the [greeting] cards or experiences or the movies. It is about making emotional human connections, and when we can do them in person, it's even better. Giving back to communities is incredibly important to us as a company."
Buckley, who plays Matt in "Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story," was joined at the firehouse by co-stars Lyndsy Fonseca (Avery) and Barbara Alyn Woods (Jody). Fonseca plays Buckley's love interest and Woods plays her mom. Along with stars of other Hallmark movies, they spoke to and posed for photos with first responders and their families.
"I don't think you ever really need a reason to express gratitude to first responders," Buckley said, "so in that sense we're just happy to be here anytime. But especially today, gathering with everyone has been such a special event, getting to meet the Altman family and getting to meet a lot of these firefighters."
"We're here to bring some joy," Fonseca added. "This is an unimaginable thing that this family has had to go through. We're here to share a little love and support. It's literally the least we can do. I know everyone's here at this gathering to honor him and hopefully that is a little bit of healing the family can go through."
Other Hallmark stars on hand were Jonathan Bennett, Erin Cahill, Sarah Drew, Brooke D'Orsay, James Denton, Andrew Gernhard, Peter Mooney, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Brendan Penny, Kristoffer Polaha and Dustin Rikert.
Nora Altman appreciated the support. She attended Tuesday's gathering with her two-year-old son, Theodore, daughter, Evelyn, and other family members.
"It's bittersweet," Nora said. "It's a wonderful opportunity and acknowledgment from the Bears and Hallmark. But it also is a reminder of the tragedy."
Bears vice president Patrick McCaskey, who plays a fire captain in the movie, briefly addressed those present at the firehouse.
James Mullaghy, captain of Truck 47, was overwhelmed by the show of support.
"It's very special," Mullaghy said. "We're here because we lost a close brother. So, having everyone here today — the Hallmark Channel, the Chicago Bears — is truly special. The hair on my neck is standing up with all the love and support that's being shown. It's something that we'll always remember."
If you would like information on how to support the construction of the Michael "Mickey" Altman memorial, please contact Bears.Care@bears.nfl.net.
