To all in our Tuesday's Children community,
First and foremost, we are here to remind you that Tuesday's Children is here for our families today, and every day. Please remember to check in with your loved ones, family and friends and reach out if they need support.
We know that the news of recent events in Afghanistan impacts our families in the 9/11 and military communities in different ways. Tuesday's Children is here to support you however we can. CLICK HERE to read our full statement of support.
As we pass the midway point of 2021, a year where Tuesday's Children is honoring 20 Years of Service, we reflect on how much we've accomplished thus far. From family engagement days at SeaWorld to baseball games and the summer 2021 session of our international program Project COMMON BOND, families have had many chances to connect and grow their friendships with each other. As the world continues to open up, we will continue to provide more opportunities across the country.
While this year has already been a whirlwind, there's still much more to come. This September, we will host our 20 Years of Service Gala both virtually (free!) and in-person. As with everything Tuesday's Children does, this is with the best interest of our families at heart, and a chance to celebrate the children we've seen grown into successful young adults who now have their own families. CLICK HERE to learn more about our Gala and to register now.
We know, at times, that 20 years may feel like 40. Other times, the events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 feel like yesterday. We also know that no matter much time has passed – and how often your feelings fluctuate – the anniversary of 9/11 is always a triggering event. Tuesday's Children is here to reassure you that we will be here for the next two decades and many more to come.
Whether you need us now, or just enjoy the comfort of knowing we're here when you do, Tuesday's Children is proud to be a source of support and a caring community of individuals who understand what you've been through. Please be sure to visit our website calendar for information on how you can stay – or get – involved. We hope to see you soon!
With much gratitude for your continued support,
Terry
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While the summer of 2021 was certainly better than that of 2020, we recognize the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt throughout our Tuesday's Children community. You've lost jobs, in-person connections, and – for 1 in 5 family members – a loved one. We may not be able to change what has happened, but we can promise that Tuesday's Children will always be here as a support system.
Despite the hardships faced, we hope you've been able to find a silver lining and make the most of the warmer weather. If there is anything we've learned in recent times, it's that every moment spent and every memory made is a valuable one. We look forward to providing you with more opportunities to make memories in the future.
As we reflect on 20 Years of Service, and look ahead to many more, we thank you, the Tuesday's Children families, for allowing us to be a part of your lives. We look forward to continuing our efforts and watching you thrive!
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Rise Up and Remember: 9/11 5K
Tuesday's Children is excited to bring back our Rise Up and Remember: 9/11 5K. Supporters from all over the nation will virtually come together to walk or run 5K (3.1 miles) on September 10, 11 and 12* as we honor our 20 Years of Service. Join us (again or for the first time) and help Tuesday's Children "Rise Up and Remember."
*Registrants can participate in the race on any of the above dates.
**We encourage all participants to submit photos of those they're running in memory of, which will be featured on our social media throughout the event weekend.
CLICK HERE to register as a participant in our Rise Up and Remember: 9/11 5K
Use the exclusive Tuesday's Children family member promo code TC5KFamily for a 50% discount.
While the deadline has passed to receive your race materials in time for the event, you will still get your commemorative items later in the month!
CLICK HERE to download our official social media tool kit and spread the word.
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Mentoring Match Spotlight: Connor and Brian |
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Connor, a Gold Star child, was first paired with his mentor, Brian, who lost his father on 9/11, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, the resourceful duo was able to get creative and find a safe, socially-distanced way to begin building their bond: drive-by visits.
These first few meetings were a chance for Connor and Brian to get to know each other. Like Brian, Connor lost his father and it was comforting to spend time with someone who understood exactly what he was going through.
They also discovered a shared interest in hobbies. Sports are a huge passion for Connor and Brian feels the same. When they start chatting about their favorite teams, time just seems to fly! It flew by so fast that before they knew it, the world was opening up and with it came more opportunities to create new memories.
Brian jokes that he needs to come up with more ideas than taking Connor out for burgers and ice cream, but the duo get along so well that something as simple as heading out for a meal is all they need. The location might be the same, but the conversation is always new.
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New York City Fire Dept. Lieutenant Joseph Leavey, Brian's father, died on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Brian recently spoke to USA Today about how the feeling of loss lingers nearly twenty years later, especially now that Brian is a father himself.
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Connor and Brian recently celebrated their one year match anniversary this past July. If they were able to create a connection during a pandemic year, we can only image what these next twelve months have in store!
Are you a Gold Star family member in need of a positive adult role model for your child? CLICK HERE to learn more.
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Junior Board Member Spotlight: Katie |
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While we can't bring back the loved ones we lost, we can do our part to honor their legacy. Katie's father, a NYPD Sergeant and 9/11 First Responder, made it his life's work to serve others. As a member of Tuesday's Children's Junior Board, Katie is able to do the same.
She has been part of this community of leaders since 2014 when she ran the Hamptons Half Marathon in honor of her father and donated the proceeds to Tuesday's Children. Shortly after, Katie was introduced to members of the Junior Board and has been actively involved ever since.
In addition to running several other races for Tuesday's Children and being a career mentor, she has co-chaired multiple Junior Board events and is currently spearheading our first ever esports tournament this September. A fun, interactive event that will pair Tuesday's Children family members with influencers, athletes and notable esports stars to compete in Rocket League, it's sure to be a memorable day for all. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Although the esports tournament is in Brooklyn, Katie currently lives in Los Angeles and we're so impressed with her ability to not only pioneer East Coast events, but to balance her Junior Board work with her very busy life.
Katie is a marketing executive, who most recently worked at Dollar Shave Club, and is also a member of UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Journalism and Media's Alumni Board (Go Heels!) and AdWeek's CMO Mentorship Program.
We're not sure where Katie's journey will take her next, but we're thrilled to be there every step of the way. Thanks to ambitious young professionals like Katie, Tuesday's Children has been able to provide a lifetime of healing for two decades, and will continue to do so for many more to come.
Are you interested in joining our Junior Board? CLICK HERE to learn more.
Young professionals – including family members in the Tuesday's Children community and even their friends who aren't enrolled with us – are eligible.
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Celebrating 20 Years of Service Gala |
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The Celebrating 20 Years of Service Gala will be held both virtually (free to attend!) and in person this year. CLICK HERE to register now or choose a ticket option that meets your needs.
While a time to acknowledge Tuesday's Children's two decades of work, this event is, more importantly, a chance to honor the families we serve. Your stories of resilience, creation of community, and ability to persevere in the face of adversity is inspiring. We want to recognize your amazing successes!
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Also click above for details and ticket information regarding the in person gala. |
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Saks OFF 5TH x Tuesday's Children |
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On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Saks OFF 5TH will be donating 5% of net proceeds from its stores in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to Tuesday's Children. In addition, Saks OFF 5TH has created a custom shop accessible through its Instagram and Facebook channels, and it will be donating 10% of net proceeds from the shop from September 10 through September 12.
Reflecting on the partnership, Saks OFF 5TH President & CEO, Paige Thomas, shared, "In recognition of the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Saks OFF 5TH is extremely proud to partner with Tuesday's Children and support their healing efforts. As a New York-based company with offices across the street from One World Trade, we are reminded daily of the sacrifices made on that day. We remain steadfast in our mission of reflecting and supporting the communities we serve."
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Join Our Exclusive Facebook Group for 9/11 Families
Tuesday's Children invites our 9/11 family members to join an exclusive Facebook group. This is a judgement-free place to express creativity and support each other through talents, ideas, thoughts and discussions. Find new friends, connect with old ones and build lifelong bonds!
Be sure to spread the word and invite other families from the 9/11 community to join us on Facebook and help us create a welcoming environment for all.
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Fall Fun with Tuesday's Children Swag
As sad as it is to see the summer go, fall brings a new chance to show off your exclusive Tuesday's Children merchandise. Need a comfortable hoodie to stay warm during chilly nights? A hat to keep the sunset out of your eyes? Maybe a new reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated on an October morning hike? Find all of this and more at our online store.
As always, shipping is free and all items are discounted by 20% in honor of our 20 Years of Service.
The Tuesday's Children online store is proudly powered by Still Serving Promos, LLC. They are a disabled veteran-owned company staffed entirely by veterans and military family members. To learn more about Still Serving Promos, and the vast array of products and services offered, please CLICK HERE.
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Recent Programs and Family Engagement Events |
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This July, we were thrilled to welcome 26 participants from 12 countries – including first-timers from Bosnia and Uganda – to the virtual summer 2021 session of Project COMMON BOND.
From Dignity and Storytelling sessions, to poem writing and sharing and more, every day proved that connections can be made from anywhere – even in a different time zone through a computer screen.
While Tuesday's Children is excited to continue with virtual programs, as they provide the opportunities for families to form bonds from miles away, we're thrilled to have returned to in-person events as well.
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Although the midwest heat was strong, it was a minor inconvenience for our Texas Gold Star families who spent time together at SeaWorld San Antonio on Father's Day. A day that can be triggering and troubling for this community, it was a chance to make new memories and find comfort in those who shared a similar loss. The day was so special that we hosted another in July, this time including a visit to SeaWorld's waterpark, Aquatica.
We might be sad to see summer go, but we are looking ahead to an exciting rest of the year filled with both virtual and in-person programming sure to bring joy, laughter and happiness to you and your loved ones.
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Please support our work.
Help us continue to build resilience and promote healing in all those impacted by terrorism, military conflict or mass violence.
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About Tuesday's Children
Tuesday’s Children provides a lifetime of healing for families who have been forever changed by terrorism, military conflict or mass violence. Through a time-tested, long-term approach, Tuesday’s Children programming serves and supports our nation’s military Families of the Fallen; builds resilience and common bonds in communities worldwide recovering from tragedies; and keeps the promise to support all those impacted by Tuesday, September 11th.
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