CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A tailgate at Gies Memorial Stadium turned into a fundraiser Saturday after three first responders were stabbed more than a week ago.

Illinois superfan Robert Rosenthal bought “Engine 77” — a fire engine converted for football games — last year. 

Rosenthal said it only felt right to give back and pay for more than 50 firefighters and their family members to go to Saturday’s game.

When two firefighters and a paramedic were attacked last week, Rosenthal said he wanted to do something to help.

“We contacted the Champaign Firefighters Benevolent Fund and asked if we could do some kind of fundraiser,” Rosenthal said. “So that’s why we got these boots set out, for people to donate. And you can also donate online on their website, on the Champaign Firefighter Benevolent Fund website.”

All three of the injured first responders have since been released from the hospital.