SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - An annual fundraiser is supporting first responders and the families of those who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. Creative leaders in Springfield honored at annual meeting 'Hockey for Heroes' is a local non-profit based in Springfield. On Thursday evening, they hosted a celebrity bartending event at Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant.  The event featured local athletes and community heroes who had the chance to go behind the bar and serve the community their favorite beverage.   “It's a tragedy that seems like it's happening more and more these days. You know we want to do our part so if something like this happens someone's there to help,” said Evan Donemeyer, the President of Hockey for Heros. The Hockey for Heroes Foundation has given back over $10,000 to first responders since 2020.  Local News Headlines A look at the average Massachusetts snow and rain in December College-bound Springfield students march to celebrate academic success Second Chance saved over 55,000 pets in 2024 Springfield teachers honor Sandy Hook victims with remembrance ceremony on Memorial Bridge WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.