Mulcahy’s in Wantagh held an annual fundraiser Saturday that began more than 20 years ago after a firefighter from Long Island died on 9/11.

Firefighter Michael Cawley died 23 years ago when he responded to the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 attacks.

"An awesome older brother. Funny guy, with a big smile,” said Brendan Cawley, Michael Cawley's brother.

Nearly 1,000 people came to honor Cawley and raise money for the FDNY in his honor.

Cawley lived in Bellmore and was a member of Ladder 136 in Elmhurst, Queens.

"He responded down to the World Trade Center with Rescue 4 that morning where he was detailed up the road. Unfortunately, they were all lost that morning,” Cawley’s brother said.

Event organizers say in the last 23 years they've raised nearly $1 million for the FDNY. That includes scholarships for children of firefighters and helping those with 9/11-related illnesses.

"It carries on his legacy really well. Helping people with special needs and giving people benefits to attend schools like Molloy by giving scholarships,” said Sienna Loftus, from Floral Park.

Retired firefighter and Cawley’s friend, Thomas Napolitano, said the FDNY is a brotherhood and it's important to support firefighters who are battling 9/11-related illnesses.

"It's unfortunate that some of these guys are facing these things that are taking place right now, but there's always plenty of support,” he said.

Five kids were given scholarships to help their families pay for school during the event.

To learn more about Cawley and the foundation in his name, visit the Firefighter Michael J Cawley Memorial Foundation.