To all in our Tuesday's Children community,
As another year draws to a close, we pause to reflect on 2021. Not only was it the year we began to return to a sense of normalcy, slowly emerging from a global pandemic, but it was the year that marked two decades since the horrific events of Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. This was the year that Tuesday's Children, and all of you who make our work possible, stepped up, stepped in and helped carry the families we serve through an extremely difficult time.
We were proud to honor these families at our 20 Years of Service Gala. Many of them have grown up with Tuesday's Children, and we watched them go from children at baseball games to young adults in career workshops, and now adults who are giving back as Long-Term Youth Mentors. This inspiring evening held at Citi Field was a chance to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. If you didn't get a chance to attend the Gala, CLICK HERE to view our five-minute highlight reel.
While a lot of 2021 was about looking back, it was also a chance to look forward to the future of Tuesday's Children. We may not be able to predict everything about 2022 – as we've all learned in recent times how quickly plans can change – but we do know a few things for certain. Tuesday's Children will always #KeepThePromise to our 9/11 community and continue applying the valuable lessons we've learned and the proven programs we've established to support Military Families of the Fallen and those impacted by mass violence.
Together, with your continued support and generosity, we can make a difference. We're ready to jump into a brand new year of opportunity, hope, healing and community. We're so glad you'll be coming with us.
With much gratitude,
Terry
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Tuesday's Children: Building on 20 Years of Service |
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20 Years of Healing Together
While every September can be a difficult one for those impacted by 9/11, the 20th anniversary proved to be an especially intense reminder for many. Magazine articles, nightly news broadcasts and a slew of television specials kept the memory of this fateful day fresh in everyone's minds in the weeks and months leading up to it. Albeit an important reminder that all of us will #NeverForget, it was quickly evident that a break from the heaviness was needed.
From football and baseball games to wrestlings matches, awards shows and more, our Tuesday's Children families had a vast array of chances to create positive, happy memories during an otherwise difficult time. These opportunities included unfurling the American flag on the field of MetLife Stadium during the New York Giants home opener, being honored by the New York Mets during a special pregame ceremony on Saturday, September 11th, ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ and attending Friday Night SmackDown with loved ones. It was heartwarming to see our generous supporters roll out the red carpet for those we serve. (Speaking of which, the red carpet was literally rolled out for those invited to attend the 2021 MTV VMAs at Barclay's Center!)
Thank you to all those, including but not limited to the following, who brought some light into the darkness: National Football League, CNN, MTV, NASCAR, PGA Superstore, WWE and various teams across the country including the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Washington Football Team, New England Revolution and New York Mets.
We look forward to our continued collaborations in 2022 and beyond.
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Mentoring Match Spotlight: Bronson and Brian |
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Bronson, a Gold Star child, is a rising third grader who lives with his mom and brother in Virginia. Unlike some children during their match meeting, Bronson was full of energy and opened up quickly to his new mentor, Brian. The initial excitement only grew as the pair soon discovered they have a lot in common.
Bronson was thrilled to brag about the new bike he just got and how he prefers trail to city riding. Brian, a recently retired married father of three who lives outside Philadelphia, feels the same and is active on the board of Rails for Trails, which converts nonworking railroad tracks into bike trails. Bronson was impressed that they not only shared this passion for the outdoors, but that Brian averages 200 miles per week on his bike.
"Bronson and Brian connect via Messenger Chat often. They use video and voice chat. Thank you for gifting Bronson this amazing opportunity."
-Bronson's Mom
Brian, whose other hobbies include coaching basketball and volleyball, arrived at the match meeting with plenty of ways to bond with his new friend, including LEGO building projects and Minecraft. Bronson was hooked immediately and suggested they start chatting over the Facebook Messenger Kids App – he couldn't wait to have fun!
While Bronson and Brian connect constantly in a virtual format, they plan to meet in person every four to five weeks. Three hours may seem like a lot to some, but to these two it's just another opportunity for a new adventure.
Looking to support our Youth Mentoring program and help Gold Star children find long-term adult role models? CLICK HERE to learn more.
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Tuesday's Children's 20 Years of Service Gala |
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We were delighted that so many people came out to join us at Citi Field for Tuesday's Children's 20 Years of Service Gala, where we honored the New York Mets Organization and New York Mets Alumni Edgardo Alfonzo, John Franco, Al Leiter, Bobby Valentine, and Todd Zeile and General Stanley McChrystal, USA, Retired.
As a result of everyone's hard work and generosity, we were able to raise over $495,000!
It was also our pleasure to present the Lifetime Supporter Award to Jay Horwitz, a longtime Tuesday's Children supporter and liaison to New York Mets alumni.
A special thank you goes out to Dietrick Haddon, who provided the evening's live entertainment, and to our emcee, Brooke Baldwin.
Tune in to the memorable moments!
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San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Tuesday's Children |
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We continue to expand our services in the San Antonio area to be a growing resource for Military Families of the Fallen. Director of Gold Star Family Programs Liz Zirkle and Southwest Regional Program Manager Patty Morgan were on hand for a special ribbon cutting at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce this December marking our promise to families in the area. |
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AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting & Exposition |
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Tuesday's Children was honored to attend the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2021 Annual Meeting & Exposition this past October in Washington, D.C. The three-day initiative, known for being the Army's largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America, was a chance for us to cultivate connections, attend panels, and continue learning about how we can further support Military Families of the Fallen.
We were honored to meet so many influential people, including SMA, Sergeant Major Army spouse, Alexandra Grinston (far left in the photo).
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Board Member Silvia Davi Receives
"Big Heart for Charity" Philanthropy Award
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Congratulations to Tuesday's Children Board Member Silvia Davi, who recently received the "Big Heart for Charity" Philanthropy Award from Security Traders Association and the STA Foundation. She accepted the award this past October at STA's "88th Annual Market Structure" conference, where she also had the opportunity to lead a discussion on the importance of corporate citizenship and social purpose.
We can't think of someone more deserving, as Silvia's commitment to Tuesday's Children allows us to continue serving countless families and children. Thank you, Silvia!
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Donor Hall of Fame
Thank you to our corporate, institutional and individual donors whose contributions make a difference to the families we serve. Because of your generosity and compassion, Tuesday's Children has been able to provide vital programming such as Long-Term Youth Mentoring, career-oriented services, peacebuilding programs, retreats and more.
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20 Years of Service Supporters
We are grateful for generous donations this year from:
Comcast NBCUniversal • Gene Haas Foundation • Instinet • Jake Tapper • John Stewart • KPMG • Magnitude Capital
• Netflix • New York Jets Foundation • PGA Superstore
• Progressive Leasing • Red Tower Advisors • Smithfield Foods • Tata Consultancy Services • The Northern Trust/Kyle Palmieri Foundation • WWE • and more
We thank the following institutional funders of our resilience-building programs:
AIG • Amazin’ Mets Foundation • Bob Woodruff Foundation • Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund • Core One • Department of Homeland Security TVTP Grants Program • HUB • ICAP • McCartney Foundation • Morgan Stanley • Mother Cabrini Health Foundation • New York Life Foundation • Oshkosh • Robin Hood Foundation • Sarita Kenedy East Foundation • Sidley Austin, LLP • Simons Foundation • State Farm • Toyota
And we recognize the countless partners and individuals who have provided vital support and services to enhance our work over the past two decades and as we continue to keep the promise.
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New Partnerships in Community Resilience
We are pleased to share new developments in our community resilience work, sharing lessons learned and providing customized guidance in response to wide-scale trauma and loss due to terrorism, targeted violence, military conflict and the ongoing pandemic.
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Partnership with DHS CP3
We are proud to be a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2021 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Program Grantee.
Managed by the newly formed DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), this grant will support Project COMMON BOND, the Survivors of Tragedy Outreach Program (STOP), our annual Lessons in Recovery and Resilience Forum and community resilience work sharing our Long-Term Healing Model in the wake of terrorism, mass violence and military conflict. We were previously funded by DHS from 2016-2019 and have provided customized guidance and support to over a dozen U.S. communities and 34 countries.
For more information, click here to view our official press release.
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Pandemic Response
At least 1 in 5 of the families Tuesday's Children serves have lost loved ones due to the pandemic.
Tuesday's Children is launching a COVID-19 Response Project in partnership with the New York Life Foundation that will build the capacity of local communities to provide long-term healing support in response to wide-scale childhood bereavement needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is made possible by a recently awarded three-year grant from the New York Life Foundation.
Tuesday's Children recently submitted a joint letter with MENTOR to the Biden/Harris administration co-signed by over 25 youth-serving nonprofit organizations emphasizing the great need to support children who have lost a parent or caregiver through evidence-based programs like trauma-informed long-term youth mentoring.
We are proud to be joining other organizations, such as those represented in the COVID Collaborative, in meaningful conversations about how our nation can best support children and families through traumatic loss and bereavement.
Stay tuned for details on these and other new ways we are supporting our community in the coming year.
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New York Life Foundation's recently released State of Grief report highlights growing needs for childhood bereavement support.
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The COVID Collaborative's Hidden Pain report shows that 167,000+ U.S. children have lost a parent or caregiver to COVID-19.
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DIY Fundraiser Spotlight:
Alex Horn Knives
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Many years ago, a close family friend and crane engineer who participated in post-9/11 clean up efforts gifted Jamie a ball bearing from an elevator within the Twin Towers. It's something he has treasured and kept to himself for decades – until 2021 came around. With the 20th anniversary of that fateful day looming, Jamie knew he had to give this special item a new life. This is when he brought in Alex Horn.
Alex, an Oregon-based bladesmith and Forged in Fire champion, was eager to get involved with the project. He transformed the ball bearing into two commemorative kitchen knives, both of which were auctioned off this past September in support of Tuesday's Children.
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This creative collaboration was a great success and the raffle, in addition to donations provided by generous supporters, raised nearly $10,000. We're extremely grateful for the support and equally as impressed with how Jamie and Alex proved that something from the darkest of days can find a new purpose. It's a reminder to all of us that rebirth is always on the horizon.
Interested in fundraising for Tuesday's Children?
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Team Tuesday's Children: Endurance Spotlights
Whether it's through the streets of New York City in a winter chill, across the pond with a fall breeze or a simple stroll through your hometown, there are plenty of ways to get active in support of Tuesday's Children. Thank you to those who made their miles matter, providing a lifetime of healing with every step.
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2021 Team TC Marathon Spotlight: Jes |
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Jes and her three sisters lost their father, who worked in the north tower of the World Trade Center, on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. It was this tragic event that inspired Jes to adopt a "say yes" mentality and seize every opportunity that comes her way, knowing all too well that life is short. We're so glad she said yes to joining the Tuesday's Children Junior Board, as she's provided so much hope and healing to not just other families, but herself. One way she accomplishes this is through endurance fundraising.
Running is like therapy to Jes. It's something that has shown her she can achieve anything she puts her mind to. Therefore, it made perfect sense to combine this cathartic outlet with Tuesday's Children.
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Jes has run for Team TC in the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon, Virgin Money London Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon and is even contemplating joining us in Berlin next year. Her favorite part about it is the incredibly supportive community and ability to do good while honoring her father's memory.
Jes notes that her Dad wasn't a shy man and if he was still here, he'd be on the sidelines at every race shouting "that's my Jessica out there!" to anyone who would listen. Although the training can be grueling, knowing how proud he would be – and how each step supports Tuesday's Children – makes it all worthwhile.
We're so grateful to Jes for her ongoing support of our work and look forward to following her in every city, state and country she journeys to. She's proof that every mile, every moment and every marathon truly makes a difference.
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Are you interested in running for Team TC?
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Rise Up and Remember: 9/11 5K Spotlight: Team TCS |
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TCS North America, a global leader in IT services, digital and business solutions, embodies the tagline "Building on Belief." While this motto rings true in their everyday work, as TCS is known for going above and beyond to help clients make a meaningful difference, it applies to charitable efforts as well.
The company, led by Chairman Sury Kant, is passionate about giving back to nonprofit organizations and was inspired by Tuesday's Children's message of resilience and long-term healing. While we're a nonprofit and they're a tech company, at the end of the day we share a common goal: make the world a better place.
TCS was the flagship sponsor for September's Rise Up and Remember: 9/11 5K, a generous effort in its own right. However, sticking to their core values and truly embodying the "above and beyond" mentality, they went as far as to form Team TCS. Whether strolling through the streets, sauntering on the sidewalk or running in the rain, they came out in droves to support Tuesday's Children.
The effort was such a success that Team TCS returned in October – this time gathering in Atlantic City, NJ – for another 3.1 miles on behalf of our work. In total, 120 TCSers participated, and all of us at Tuesday's Children are grateful to every single one of them.
TCS is a valued supporter of Tuesday's Children and, in addition to the 5K, has joined forces with us on virtual career programs and Stars of Hope Give Back projects. As we head into 2022, we look forward to continuing this valuable relationship and changing lives – one step, sprint and sole to the ground at a time.
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Junior Board Member Spotlight: Ryann |
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"Having lost my dad on September 11th 2001, said Ryann, an active member of the Tuesday's Children Junior Board, "I know what it feels like to need the extra love and support from friends, family and even strangers." Whether through 5Ks, fundraising events or simply showing up to meetings and sharing ideas and opinions, Ryann has done her part to ensure that those dealing with trauma have a reliable system of support.
This trusting community is something our Junior Board provides for Ryann, as it's a platform to not just raise money, but to do so in creative ways. For example, while we would've been thrilled to have Ryann as a lone registrant for this past May's Rise Up and Remember: Memorial Day 5K, she took it a step – or several – further. She spearheaded the Team Cogs initiative and, with the help of friends and family, raised nearly $2,300 in support of Tuesday's Children.
This ambitious attitude only grew stronger throughout the rest of 2021, with Ryann's next focus being on September's Remember Resilience Gala. This benefit in honor of all those lost on 9/11, and the event Ryann cites as being her favorite thing she's done with Tuesday's Children, raised tens of thousands of dollars.
While she waits for the 2022 Tuesday's Children Junior Board events season to come around, Ryann has plenty of ways to give back in her everyday life. A Special Education teacher who works in Harlem, NY, she enjoys connecting with her eighth grade students and preparing them for the next chapter in their lives.
We're not sure what the next chapter will be in Ryann's life, but we truly hope Tuesday's Children gets to be part of it. It's an honor to have such passionate, dedicated individuals in our corner as we head into a new year of service and support.
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Volunteer with Tuesday's Children
From signing up to be a long-term youth mentor or career mentor, to hosting a community fundraiser, making an online donation and more, there are plenty of ways to support Tuesday's Children and the families we serve.
CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can get involved.
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Keep Warm in the Winter with Tuesday's Children Swag
What does it mean when the days get shorter and nights get chillier? It's time to tuck away the tank tops and lounge out in layers. Whether it's a long sleeve shirt, soft hoodie or a hat, our online store has everything you need for the winter weather.
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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Be sure to pick up our newest item, the 100% cotton Rise Up and Remember long sleeve t-shirt (also available in white)! |
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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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