VOICES News Alert


June 28, 2012

Dear Families and Friends,

On behalf of Gala chair, Bonnie McEneaney, and all of us at VOICES, I want to thank everyone who made this year's gala so special, including our Honorary Chairs Governor Tom Kean and Brian and Jane Williams. Thanks to the generosity of our leadership sponsors, BAE Systems and Lend Lease, as well as other organizations, corporations, foundations, family and friends, we were able to raise important funds to continue our work. A special thank you to Morgan Stanley, for their support of VOICES Always Remember commemorative book which made its debut at the event.

It was wonderful to have so many family members, rescue workers and survivors in attendance at this year's gala, through the generous sponsorship of several organizations. Many have expressed their appreciation to us for giving them the opportunity to participate in this meaningful event and to reconnect with one another.

We were very honored to begin the program with a video message from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who took time out of her busy schedule to convey her unwavering support of our work over the past ten years. Tadodaho Sid Hill, Spiritual Leader of the Six Nations/ Iroquois Confederacy began the evening with a prayer of healing. As you may know, the Native Americans were instrumental in building the WTC buildings, working in the recovery effort and constructing the memorial, so their presence was very special.

Kathie Lee's heartwarming reflections and moving performance of Little Baby, with her friend and accomplished composer David Friedman, made the event very intimate. Kathie Lee spoke about the gala the following morning on the Today Show. We have included a link to view the program. Inspirational performances by soloists Amanda Nisenson, Joan Carlo, Matt Thomas, pianist David Hancock Turner, and cellist Nada Radulovich added to the meaningful reflections of the evening. We thank each of these talented individuals for their important contributions to this year's program.

Building Bridges Awards were presented to Kevin Murphy and Chris DelPozzo from Lend Lease, for their tireless efforts in leading the team that built the 9/11 Memorial. In accepting the award, they spoke passionately about the commitment of all the members of the Lend Lease team in opening the 9/11 Memorial for the tenth anniversary. All in attendance were touched by Kevin and Chris' personal stories and felt inspired by their dedication.

Thanks also to Joe Daniels, President of the 9/11 Memorial for his remarks about the importance of our 9/11 Living Memorial Project and our partnership "that will extend well beyond the opening of the Museum."

In closing, we want to take this opportunity to recognize our dedicated staff, the dozens of volunteers and interns, and all of those who contributed to making this year's gala an evening we will Always Remember.


Warm Regards
Signature
Mary Fetchet & the VOICES Staff



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