To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Secaucus launched “30 Days of Remembrance” on Aug. 11, a month-long campaign asking residents to support one or up to five local and national charities that were formed in response to 9/11.
The month of giving culminates on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m., as residents are asked to join in a ‘Moment of Remembrance’ at the town’s 9/11 Memorial by the library. Sirens, bells, and whistles will ring throughout Secaucus in unison with the country as the entire nation takes a moment to remember the tragedy. A service will be held immediately after.
“The idea is that each of us should do something meaningful in our own way.” – Mayor Michael Gonnelli
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In choosing the non-profits for the month, Gonnelli said the town sought to include groups that recognize people who perished, including a Secaucus resident, first responders such as police and firefighters, and U.S service members.
9/11 Memorial Bike Ride
Three Secaucus Police Officers will bike 280 miles from Ground Zero to the Pentagon over four days as part of the Tour de Force Bike Ride. Residents are asked to support Officers Carlos Goyenechea, Fran Cotter, and Roderick Aninipot in raising $1,000 each to benefit families of police officers killed in the line of duty. Donate online by visiting: www.TourdeForceNY.com and selecting individual officers’ names or mail checks payable to Tour de Force with the words Secaucus Police Officers on the memo line to Town Hall or to the Tour de Force, P.O. Box 395, Washingtonville, N.Y. 10992. Donations are requested by Aug. 25.
Steven Strobert Foundation
Residents have the opportunity to give to a locally-based group, the Steven Strobert Foundation, which was formed to honor the legacy and life of Steven Strobert, a Secaucus native who died in the attacks. He worked on the 105th floor of the North Tower as a bond trader. Inspired by his generosity and kindness; the non-profit supports opportunities for children and youth through education, athletics, and the improved quality of life.
Donate online by visiting: www.strobertfoundation.com or mail checks payable to the Steven Strobert Foundation, Inc. to Steven Strobert Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2314, Secaucus, NJ 07096-2314.
Firefighters widows’ and children’s fund
Many families lost loved ones called to duty as firefighters during the attacks. To assist the families, the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York formed the Widows’ and Children’s Fund account. All donations are distributed directly to the families of fallen firefighters. Donate online at www.UFANYC.org or mail a check payable to the UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund to the Uniformed Firefighter’s Association, 204 East 23rd St. New York, N.Y. 10010.
Hope for the Warriors
Hope for the Warriors’ mission is to enhance the quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Earlier this year, the town and Hartz raised funds for the organization through the Run for the Warrior race and would like to continue to support families that face financial and emotional hardship with a severely wounded family member.
Donate online by visiting: www.hopeforthewarriors.org or mail checks payable to Hope For the Warriors to Hope for the Warriors, Attention: Katie Tame, Office of Building Management, 55 Water Street, New York, N.Y. 10041. For more info call, Katie Tame, Director, by calling 212 471-9505 or e-mail Katherine@hopeforthewarriors.org.
Donating sweatpants to troops in Afghanistan
Wounded military stationed in Afghanistan need large and extra large sweatpants to stay warm during transport from the field hospitals to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany. Monetary donations to purchase sweat pants can be sent to Paul Pinkman, Knights of Columbus State Veterans Affairs Chairman, at 707 Golden Ave., Secaucus, NJ 07094. Sweat pants can be dropped off at the Immaculate Conception Church gift shop or at Town Hall.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.