May 17, 2010
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VOICES OF SEPT. 11 GALA FEATURES FORMER
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR
Always Remember Benefit, June 14, 2010, New York City
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NEW CANAAN, Conn., May 17, 2010 - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be the keynote speaker at the Voices of September 11th third annual Always Remember Benefit, to be held in New York City on Monday, June 14, 2010. President Bill Clinton is the Honorary Chairman. Doors open at 6 p.m. In addition to the keynote address by Tony Blair, the gala features a cocktail reception, silent auction, special guests and musical entertainment. All proceeds from the event will support the organization’s 9/11 Living Memorial Project which chronicles the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost and documents the inspirational stories of rescue workers and survivors.
The gala will be held in downtown Manhattan and the exact location will be provided upon registration.
The 9/11 Living Memorial Project grew from the needs of the families to memorialize their loved ones, and the obligation of the nation to document the history of that day. VOICES has conducted several hundred workshops and met one-on-one with over 800 families, rescue workers and survivors throughout the country. Since the project was launched in 2006, families have contributed over 40,000 photographs and personal keepsakes to the collection. The 9/11 Living Memorial will become a core component of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.
This year, VOICES has transferred over 11,000 digital images to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to be used in the “Wall of Faces” and other exhibits within the museum. Last November, Mary Fetchet, Founding Director of VOICES, and her husband Frank Fetchet, traveled to London to meet with 9/11 families living in the UK.
Ms. Fetchet, stated, “Over 90 countries lost loved ones on 9/11. Despite cultural differences and geographical distance, our families share an unspoken bond and have found strength in the meaningful relationships we have established with one another. It was heartwarming to finally meet face to face with the UK families we have developed supportive relationships with over the years.”
Ms. Fetchet continues, “Prime Minister Blair’s participation in our upcoming gala symbolizes the beginning of our international outreach, and also reinforces the importance of building bridges internationally, person to person.”
Tony Blair was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 1997 to June 2007. Since leaving Downing Street, he has served as the Quartet Representative to the Middle East. He represents the USA, UN, Russia and EU, working with the Palestinians to prepare for statehood as part of the international community’s effort to secure peace. He has also established the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to undertake educational and humanitarian projects, which build understanding and bring people of different faiths together as an alternative to religious conflict around the world.
Mr. Blair remarked, “It is a privilege to be able to meet with the families of the victims of 9/11. Their strength and dignity is inspirational. 9/11 was an attack on us all. America took the brunt of the terrorist outrage but 90 countries felt the impact as the honour roll shows.
He continues, “The evil of that day must never be forgotten. The innocent victims we honour at this benefit are continually in our thoughts and prayers. I am genuinely honoured and humbled to be supporting this event and inspired by those who work to ensure we never forget.”
Individual tickets begin at $350 per person. A VIP reception will be held for those purchasing individual sponsorship tickets beginning at $1,000 as well as Leadership and Legacy sponsors. For more information visit www.voicesofsept11.org or contact the VOICES office at 203.966.3911.
About Tony Blair
Tony Blair was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1953. He became Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, North East England, in 1983, Leader of the Labour Party in 1994 and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 1997 to June 2007.
Since leaving Downing Street, Tony Blair has served as the Quartet Representative to the Middle East. He represents the USA, UN, Russia and EU, working with the Palestinians to prepare for statehood as part of the international community’s effort to secure peace.
In May 2008 he launched the Tony Blair Faith Foundation which promotes respect and understanding between the major religions and makes the case for faith as a force for good in the modern world.
His Africa Governance Initiative delivers projects in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Liberia, advising the leaders and their governments on policy delivery and attracting investment.
As the first major head of government to bring climate change to the top of the international political agenda at the 2005 G8 summit, Tony Blair works with world leaders to build consensus on an international climate policy framework.
In recognition of his debt to the North East of England, he has launched The Tony Blair Sports Foundation, to increase opportunities for young people to participate in sport.
He is married to Cherie Booth QC, and they have four children.
Tony Blair has set up the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to undertake educational and humanitarian projects, which build understanding and bring people of different faiths together as an alternative to religious conflict around the world. www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org
About VOICES of September 11th
Voices of September 11th (VOICES) was co-founded by 9/11 family members Mary Fetchet and Beverly Eckert immediately following the attacks on September 11th. Currently led by Ms. Fetchet, a clinical social worker who lost her 24-year-old son Brad, the organization provides information and resources to over 10,000 9/11 families, rescue workers and survivors. VOICES services include teleconference support groups, case management services, an e-newsletter and an annual September 10th Information Forum and September 11th Commemorative Luncheon in New York City. VOICES supported the creation of the 9/11 Commission and legislation based on its recommendations, with a focus on promoting preparedness on the local, state and federal levels. In 2006 VOICES launched the 9/11 Living Memorial Project which commemorates the lives lost and documents firsthand accounts of rescue workers and survivors.
About the 9/11 Living Memorial Project
The 9/11 Living Memorial Project (LM), launched by Voices of September 11th in 2006, chronicles the lives of the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost and documents the firsthand accounts of rescue workers and survivors at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pa. The 9/11 Living Memorial Project grew from the needs of the families to memorialize their loved ones, and the obligation of the nation to document the history of that day. VOICES staff was uniquely qualified to assist families through the emotional process of memorializing their loved ones. Since the project was launched they have conducted several hundred workshops and met one-on-one with over 800 families, rescue workers and survivors throughout the country. Families have contributed over 40,000 photographs and personal keepsakes to the extensive collection.
The 9/11 Living Memorial Project will become a core component of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to be built in New York City. This year VOICES transferred over 11,000 digital images to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum that will be on display in the “Wall of Faces” and other exhibits in the museum. The archive, currently online at www.voicesofsept11.org, includes memorials and foundations and will expand over time to showcase the caring, courage and compassion the world experienced that day. Oral histories and family videos will be included over time. VOICES hosts 9/11 Living Memorial appointments at their offices in New Canaan, CT and New Brunswick and workshops are scheduled weekly in communities around the country. For more information on how to participate in the 9/11 Living Memorial Project and for a schedule of events, visit www.voicesofsept11.org or contact the VOICES office at 203 966 3911.
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