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| Dear Families and Supporters,
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September 2008
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As we approach the seventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we write once again to update you on the progress of your September 11th Education Trust/WTC United Family Group and ask for your continued participation and generous support.
As our country faces escalating difficult times—wars abroad, a slowing economy, soaring gas prices and the continued threat of more attacks on our nation’s soil—we are hopeful that our nation will unite and rise to meet the challenges just as it did on September 11, 2001. We witness that same spirit everyday in our community whether through continued advocacy on issues like Fresh Kills or the WTC memorial or finding the strength to make it through another difficult day in the grieving process.
Sadly, we must report that seven years after the attacks nearly all 9/11 designated relief funds are depleted despite a demonstrated need for continued support services.
So here’s what our organization is doing to achieve sustainability post 9/11 funding to meet the ongoing and evolving needs of our 9/11 community:
- Responding to reduced fiscal resources, modest program fees will be assessed for the April portion of the September 11/Oklahoma City Exchange and annual holiday gathering. Moving forward, the September portion of the exchange will be scaled back or discontinued. This year, despite fiscal constraints, we provided comprehensive year-round services for our community members across the nation through innovative peer support programs including our September 11th/Oklahoma City Family Exchange, annual holiday gathering, advocacy on 9/11 issues, community publications and outreach.
For April 2008 Exchange Ambassador Marie Mitchell, Sister of Lt. Paul Mitchell, FDNY, LODD, the exchange was a “precious opportunity.” She noted, “I learned a lot, cried a bunch and felt my heart open in ways that have been long overdue since 9/11.” Dawn Rodgers—sister of Daniel Brandhorst, aunt of David Brandhorst and friend of Ronald Gamboa, who all died aboard United Flight 175—described the exchange as a “safe environment…where people who’ve experienced similar experiences can support one another…and find family.” Families of Oklahoma City bombing victims provided similar feedback and expressed a desire to continue the exchange. OKC family member, Janet Walker Emigh, wrote: “Thank you for the exchange—the much needed hugs and support were so appreciated…this roller coaster ride will never end, so please continue the exchange as long as possible.”
- This year, our organization adopted an additional legal name: The September 11th Education Trust (The Trust). The September 11th Education Trust will become the premier resource for 9/11 and civic literacy educational programming, serving as a living tribute to the thousands of innocent men, women and children murdered on this historic day in American history. Building on the story of 9/11—the courage, compassion and unprecedented civic responses—will translate well beyond the classroom and will be lessons that our nation’s youth can apply to lead more meaningful, productive lives. The Trust’s first educational effort, the September 11th Civic Education Program, is nearing publication. The program will be marketed to high schools nationwide. It is our hope that program revenue generated from its sale will enable us to continue 9/11 support services—for as long as they are needed—through WTC United Family Group.
Please make a donation today, and if possible, increase the amount of your last contribution to help us achieve our collective goals. To make your tax deductible contribution, simply return the attached reply card with your donation or contribute online at www.sept11educationtrust.org and click on Make a Contribution. Alternatively, if you are interested in gifting stocks, or other types of investments to benefit our endowment fund, please call Anthony Gardner at (732) 262-9600. Click here for a printable contribution form (PDF).
On behalf of our board of trustees, we thank you in advance for your ongoing support, which ensures the completion of the September 11th Civic Education Program and continued delivery of services to our community members.
Together we will continue to overcome the challenges,
Wishing you renewed strength and peace as we face the 7th anniversary,
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Patricia Reilly, Sister of Lorraine Lee
Chair, Board of Directors
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Anthony Gardner, Brother of Harvey Joseph Gardner III
Executive Director
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INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. NJ CHARITIES REGISTRATION: CH2517800
WTC United Family Group* 321 Mantoloking Road, Suite 2B, Brick, NJ 08723* (732) 262-9600
www.sept11educationtrust.org
September 11th Education Trust/WTC United Family Group is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
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