New York Says Thank You Foundation
Thank you for visiting our pages. We would love it if you would add an entry to this guestbook we are keeping! Please write us at Jeff@NewYorkSaysThankYou.org.
New York Says Thank You would like to thank our Sponsors for supporting our Programs
September 7th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
What an honor and a privilege to have had your team bringing back “Old Glory” on board my flight into New York! I am so proud of all that you are doing to preserve and restore this awesome national treasure and as Abraham Lincoln said, “…to bind up the nation’s wounds…”. Your mission is accomplishing exactly that and so much more. You are preserving a memorial for all time which honors all that is great and noble in our people during such a time of great national crisis. Your efforts show forth how we rise up from this hour of darkness, to tell future generations what it really means to be an American. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country, to the fallen heroes and to all who love this land. God Bless you all.
Marshall L. Sauls
Captain, American Airlines
September 6th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Jeff…you and your group have just left our beautiful Mena, AR. oh my, what an experience! I have a photo of one of your firemen’s son helping one of the boy’s from the Winger Home watch over LANY, the new puppy. They were just squatted down at the puppy’s box, chatting and exchanging Silly Bands, and I was snapping photos…what a moment! Words cannot express my overwhelming emotions from the week-end!…it was incredible! We are looking forward to helping finish the 4-H Community Building…and paying it forward!!
March 9th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Jeff,
I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful visit and dinner the other night. It was a beautiful insight to not only what the organization believes in but where the heart of it lies. It brought to life the words that I have read about NYSTY. Over the last few months, throughout and within the joy I watched in my students experiencing the “stars of hope” program, I have realized there is an amazing facet that is different about this group of people that hold dear the words New York Says Thank You. These are people that cross all boundaries…. socioeconomic, political, religion, race, age, ability, gender and yet they all hold a common goal and stand on common ground. That is one of “to need and to be needed” and the realization that all of us fall in both of those categories at some points in our lives. There is an air of peace that rings from each of the stories I have heard regardless of the teller. Whether it come from the draw of the Louisianans or the quick lingo of the New Yorkers, the stories of lives being brought together are as consistent as the laughter and tears that encompass each tale. It is a beautiful reminder that humanity exists and appears in the most unlikely of places and times. It is so refreshing to see the existence of this intrinsic and unpreconceived mural of people that can laugh with the innocent joy of children, cry with the tears of a martyr, and give love and labor with that of a thousand armies.
With all of my sincere admiration and love,
Lori Sullivan
PS Can’t wait to see everyone in Arkansas in September!
thank you!
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
My husband Robert and I participated in the Stars of Hope project for Mena Arkansas December 16, 17, & 18th. We had a great time; your group of volunteers are wonderful and so is your organization. I have to smile everytime I see a star while I am out on patrol. I am not sure who had more fun; the kids or us. I am blessed to have participated in the event.
Merry Christmas to y’all and God Bless,
Dolores & Robert Hutcheson
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Allow me the time to thank you, from my heart, for the opportunity to work with the Stars of Hope folks. I can’t remember a happier group of children, nor a more dedicated group of volunteers than those I became associated with at the Stars of Hope project here in Mena. My wife and I have driven the area of the Star placement several times and each time the bright splash of colors reflected the huge smiles of the children who benefitted from the selflessness of you and your colleagues. In a couple of months I’ll be “dragging 70″ not pushing, but I felt like a school kid again – driving stakes,painting stars with the kids(brought tears to my eyes several times, hearing their stories), fastening stars to stakes and seeing the smiles of approval from all the passers-by.
I’m still a strong advocate of “volunteerism” (volunteer Firefighter/Rescue/EMS, SAR, CERT) as well as being the Constable elected to represent this Township. I’ve told Patrick that I’m ready to help if he needs me in the future. Likewise, please feel free to contact me directly if I can help in any way.
Merry Christmas,
Jim Corazzo
December 8th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Keep up the good work!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Jeff: Thanks for your dedication to helping others and your strong faith. Well appreciated. My wife and I helped at the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp and both felt that this is truly a great organization to work with. Let me know what the next project will be and will definitely try to make it where ever.. God has and will continue to bless you and your family.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Hi Jeff, First off I would like to say thank you for everything you and your organization are doing. It brings so much healing not only for the people you are helping but the people who volunteer are healing also. Again thank you. I will never forget what I was doing that September day in 2001. My family and I live right across the river in New Jersey. We saw the towers come down. My son was a volunteer in our local Ambulance squad and as an EMT he wanted to go across the river with all the other volunteers, but at only 16 we didn’t allow him to go. That didn’t change anything he went with others and was stationed in Jersey City waiting for the Ferries and assisted with the less physically injured. My boyfriend was awoken that morning with the horrific sound of the first plane hitting the towers. He got dressed and headed for Liberty State park. He was taking pictures when he saw the towers come down, even though he couldn’t believe his eyes at the devastation he was witnessing, he has the pictures to remind him that it was really happening. I was working in an elementary school on the top floor; we could only see the horrible plume from our window. But being that we are only 6 miles from NYC we had many children and staff afraid for their family members who worked in and around the Towers. At first the not knowing was the worst, or so we thought, but the worst was yet to come. When news that our friends had lost loved ones, or who’s loved ones came home but would never really be the same people who left that morning. It is something that I don’t think we will ever truly recover from. We will never be the same. As a result of this my son at 21 joined the army and has served a 15 month tour in Iraq. He doesn’t tell us much about what he saw out there but he does say that the only thing he can compare it to was the devastation he saw in the aftermath of September 11th. I would like to know how we can volunteer for your next 911 project. I think that doing something like you do would bring some healing to those of us still trying to deal. Thank you for all you do. May God bless you, your volunteers, and the USA.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
As a fellow New Yorker I watched with so much pride & a lump in my throat as ABC News made you the people of the week & deservedly so.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Kudos to you and your family, Jeff, and your Foundation. Wow ~ reach out and touch someone has a new meaning, one with real meaning and real purpose! It was a privilege and an honor for Joe and me to work with all the wonderful folks from across our great nation at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch last weekend. Thank you for all you have done for the Boy Scout camp and our healing process in the Omaha area, and thank you for the tree dedication for our Merrill Lynch comrade David Brady. Taking communion with Chaplin Steve at the new chapel was an experience I will always treasure and the perfect ending for an uplifting and inspiring weekend. It was a joy to be a small part of what was accomplished, physically and spiritually, and what continues to grow out of the ashes of 9/11. Thank you Jeff, Sandy, Evan and Josh.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I went to NYC to help after 9/11, and left because there were too many people helping out and getting out of the way was the best thing I could do, as it turned out. But I saw your organization’s efforts on ABC News and had to pass a message to everyone involved in the Little Sioux Scout Camp effort. Bravo!
September 11th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Jeff. No words can express my appreciation for what you and your organization did for the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. On 6-11-2008, the Boy Scouts from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota were hit with a terrible tornado that tragically took the lives of four of our young scouts and injured over 40 including our camp ranger and his family. You will never know what your kindness and the kindness of those who helped from around the country, the FDNY firefighters and the people from all the communities you helped in the past years have done to help us in our healing process. 9-11 was truly a turning point in our country, and from that day forward, the people of this country are showing what we are made of. Little Sioux Scout Ranch Says Thank You.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I saw Charlie Gibson’s “Persons of the Week” report on World News tonight and wanted to write to say kudos ~ what a nice thing to do! I feel ashamed that I live so close to NY (CT) and wasn’t even aware of your organization…
September 11th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
God Bless You and your organization. I just saw you on World News with Charles Gibson. It is inspiring and hopeful to see people searching their hearts and giving to others in need. I am in awe of your compassion. I hope to be contributing soon, as I am on a fixed income, however, I am sure even a little bit helps. Thank you!
September 11th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I just saw an article from Charlie Gibson on the news… and as many stories as I have heard today that have made me remember (and cry) none has touched me more than this one. Your members gave so much 8 years ago, so much more than should be possible to give. And yet you continue to give to others in need. Thank you for showing the rest of the world the highest, most beautiful nature of the human spirit. God bless you all.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Jeff – I just wanted to say hi and tell you that one of the first things I thought of today on the 8th anniversary was The Foundation. I’m glad to see you are still out there helping communities rebuild. Meeting you and the firefighters and reporting your stories, three years ago in Degonia Springs holds a special place in my heart. Hope you are doing well.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Jeff – Hi! I am Deb Gochenour’s daughter and I just wanted to drop a note to thank you for everything last weekend. It really is an amazing thing to be a part of and I am blessed to have been a part of it. My husband and I are very interested in joining the “dysfunctional family.” We loved being a part of it this year and would like to continue the “pay it forward” tradition. My parents and brother have also expressed a desire to follow next year as well. You and your fellow New Yorkers are in my thoughts today. Thank you again for touching and enriching our lives; words cannot express how grateful we are.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Jeff. Once again you and your dysfunctional family have proved what America is all about! You pulled together your brothers and sisters and gave compassion, comfort, peace, and closure to family and friends of the four young men who lost their lives on that frightful day in June 2008. With your help and guidance people for years to come will have a place to sit and reflect and to gain peace by being close to their God and the memories of those young scouts. It will be a place where people will remember that caring people from all over our great land came together to honor and the lives lost and to build that beautiful chapel. I want to say again, THANK YOU for giving myself and many others the opportunity of being part of New York Says Thank You! The members of my church, were very impressed with all that was done and the attitude of your staff. They want to come back next year if it is not too far for them to drive. You know God has a way of testing us to see just how faithful we can be. As you may know I blew out a tire on my RV on the way up there this week. Then the rain we had Thursday put us back a few hours and on the way home a bearing on my trailer went bad and I had to leave my truck in Iowa and return Monday to pick it up. But even with those things happening, it was still a heart warming and humbling experience to be part of what went on in Little Sioux Scout Camp. One more thing that I want to say about the wonderful people that worked on the chapel. Saturday afternoon, after everyone had put in 8 or 9 hours working very to try to get the roof on, I realized that we needed to work into the night to at least get the sheeting on. Called all the people working there together and asked for volunteers to work well into the night to finish what we could. There was not a single person who did not step up to the challenge. Thirty Eight men stayed and worked until we got the sheeting on and that was 10 o’clock PM. That’s at least 14 hours and as cool as it was most of their shirts were wet with sweat. They all wanted those families to have the chapel. May God bless all those men indeed!. God bless you and your family. P. S. Where to next year? Let’s go! Gratefully yours
September 8th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Jeff, I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to be a part of one of the most powerful things I’ve ever helped out with, this last weekend at the Little Sioux Scout Camp in Iowa. Myself & my son Dylan, camped out all 3 days there. We started out carving the hiking trails out, then clearing out the brush, then by chance and a little good luck, I was offered the opportunity to help out on the chapel build, at crunch time. I couldn’t get that hard hat on quick enough! Thanks to Orianna & Charlie! ( sorry if I mis-spelled ) That first night ( Saturday night ) I worked, I felt just like part of the team, like I was totally accepted as ‘one of the crew’. The group of firefighters & other volunteers from across the country all banded together like I’ve never personally seen before. No one complained, no one got mad & no one expressed any signs of being tired. Had it not actually been about 17 hours of hard work & the need for sleep for safety reasons, I bet everyone would’ve worked through the night. And then the next day, as the parade worked its’ way up the trail to the chapel, I could see the expressions & tears on people’s faces, it was all worth every minute of hard, but rewarding work that was put into it. Even after the ceremony was done & the general crowd was leaving, all the volunteers & foundation people stuck around & hugged & took pictures to remember the day. I will cherish all the new friends I made that weekend. And for me, I will always remember this weekend & hope to be able to ‘give back’, somewhere, somehow. So, on behalf of myself, my son & all the people of Little Sioux Scout camp we thank you for your tremendously huge heart & complete love you shared with our area the weekend of September 3rd through the 6th. Please express my thanks & appreciation to the entire group. Take care & travel safe! Sincerely,
September 8th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of something so big… It was amazing to not just see it first hand, but use my hands to help build on what you have going on. As it’s said “many hands makes for a light load”… You are truly helping us Americans remember it’s our ties with each other that make us strong. I plan to see you again… who can say no to this “family”? Thank you! Just another Scouter looking forward to many trips to the new chapel and up the North Trail to read the stars…
September 7th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Jeff, I want to let you know this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our families life! My husband Bruce, and our son Ben are so grateful to have been a part of the NYST weekend at ‘Little Sioux Scout Ranch”. Out of the tragedy and sorrow of 9/11 your foundation has brought so much hope and joy to others across the country! The people we met and worked with from so many cities across the USA are truly awesome! So many projects were completed this weekend to help rebuild the Scout camp, but the most inspiring is the chapel that was built on the North Valley site where 4 Boy Scouts lost their lives during an F-3 tornado on 6-11-08. Our hope is that we may be able to join the NYST foundation next year and “Pay It Forward”! I am so blessed to have met you and your family. God Bless you all! Love,
September 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Jeff – It is the day after the Little Sioux, Iowa trip and I want to tell you how honored I feel to have spent the weekend with so many wonderful people with a common goal in mind. It is one of the most rewarding experiences I have been involved with in my lifetime. I must thank my colleagues John Curti, Tony Amato and John Millett for inviting me and thank the Parness family and NYSTY for your vision and dedication to spreading goodwill throughout this wonderful country of ours. The hospitality of the folks in Little Sioux was top notch and I hope to have the good fortune of seeing them on next years trip along with the many great friends I made from across the nation. I realize, unfortunately, in order for future trips to take place that there will be a tragedy that has or will happen. We can’t control it or ward it off, but we can be there to help rebuild and heal when it does. Count me in. With Deep Appreciation,
September 7th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I just saw the piece on the Weather Channel about what you’ll just did for the Iowa Boy Scout Camp. I so hope you’re the vanguard of a new wave of “let’s all help each other out.” I wish I could donate now — but a piece of that firetruck that you got from Knoxville TN is “mine.”
November 6th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
My nine year old daughter and I heard about this at our county 4-H Council meeting. On the way home we decided that we had to go and help. We talked to our 4-H Club and they felt the same way. Our small club ended up having eleven people drive out to help. I took my three children,, Emma – 9, Eric – 8, and Michael – 5. My family was so emotionally touched by the out pouring of love and support that we saw, that we couldn’t stop thanking God for allowing us to be there. Everyone was welcomed and was able to help. My youngest was able to pass out water and food to the guys working, helped with the United States map and loved every bit of the time he spent with the “Fire Fighters”. The impact that those three days had on my family was amazing. We came away with the knowledge that this country is truly the UNITED States and that we will do everything in our power to help out next year. Our little 4-H Club has decided that we want to help out more and try to send families again next year and maybe continue to help Greensburg rebuild. My children got to see people from all over the US come together to help out others in need. Thank you for letting my children live the 4-H pledge! The 4-H pledge is: I plegde my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyality, my hand to larger service, my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” Thank you for allowing us to help with this wonderful event. May God bless you and keep you all safe!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Thursday November 6 marks the three year anniversary of the tornado that hit Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Thanks to my “family” of NYSTY volunteers I no longer look back at that crazy morning and feel sad. Instead, I remember the good times I have had and the hope everyone has brought to so many people. A few weeks ago I took a friend to see Baker Chapel in Degonia Springs and the sun was setting on the steeple. My friend remarked that even with everything bad going on in the world, seeing the sun make a bright spot on a church was enough to give anyone hope. NYSTY helped bring that beacon of hope back to Degonia Springs. Being able to travel to Texas and Kansas and spread the wealth has been the most worthwhile thing I have ever done in my life, and I sincerely thank everyone for giving me the opportunity. When I wake up on Thurdsay I will not think of the destruction, instead I will think of the wonderful people who helped our community and ask myself, “Where are we headed next year?” I hope this message finds all of my new family in good health and spirits. God Bless all of you!
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I waited two weeks to write this hoping I would find the right words, but I am still at a loss as no words could describe all these emotions. All I can say… thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to meet such inspirational people, learn about another part of our country, have tears stream down my face as I hug someone I just met, have so much fun!, and so so much more. Our dysfunctional family weekend was truly a life-changing event, and I am very much looking forward to our next family reunion. Take care and please let me know if there is anything at all I can do to help support NYSTY — even if it is spreading hay on top of a lot of mud
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Jeff — Jan and I would like to thank you and the people of Greensburg, Kansas for organizing the building of the 4-H Barn and Pavillion this year. It is with pride that we Texans were able to attend and lend a hand to our neighbors to the north and in the process became neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters with all that were there. Due to the efforts of your organization, we now have a new very large family with its annual reunions that we will now look forward to from now on. It is with great pride that we were able to accomplish what we did while slogging through the mud, but we were also greatful for the rain because we know what it meant to the farmers and ranchers of the area. We feel truly blessed to have contributed to the rebuilding efforts in Greensburg and look forward to next year. To the people of Greensburg, thank you for your efforts in making us welcome. You provided for our every need during our visit. I personally would like to let you know how honored I was to be in your community. During the processional on Sunday, I witnessed one of the most powerful moments in my life whe I was able to march past the American flags being held by the people of Greensburg, many with tears in their eyes to match the tears that were in my eyes. I know it took a special effort on your part to provide us with this honor and we felt truly honored by your efforts. It will be one of the most powerful experiences of my life that I will remember forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Jeff, You will never know how many lives were changed or how many hearts were touched by the NYSTY organization. The build here in Greensburg was a big undertaking and even though we did not get as much done as we had hoped, what happened was amazing. My family was blessed to be able to host Jill and Judy. They are such neat people. The fact that they both came to help our community as well as all the other volunteers from across this great nation, restores your faith in mankind. There were many times I was moved to tears by the compassion of these wonderful people who were here to help. Little did I know how my life was going to change when you walked into my office and said you wanted to help us. I will always remember you saying, “Think Big”. Well you were right and thinking big will be part of my mind set from now on. Thank you for letting us be a part of your disfunctional family.
September 15th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Jeff, on behalf of everyone at Lester Building Systems, I want to thank you for the opportunity to play a part in this year’s project. It was a great experience for all involved – from our plant associates to our volunteer dealer/contractors who helped supervise the hammering, sawing and framing of the pavilion. It was really quite remarkable. As I said, I wish we could have done even more. But when you see it all come together (even through the fog and wind-driven rain!) the way it did, you come to realize that the real contribution comes from the combined power of all the good hearts beating together toward the common goal of restoring hope. I know we’ll stay in touch but good luck to your foundation and to the people of Greensburg in their continuing efforts to rebuild and rejuvenate their community.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Jeff, Just wanted to drop you a line to say Thank You for this last weekend. These weekends touch and change so many lives…not just the people who we go to help, but all of the volunteers are touched and inspired by the life stories and events of those they are working beside. Cindy and I were blessed with the opportunity to work alongside the Merrill Lynch group and their friend Allen….what an awesome group of people. It’s the people and spirit of what we are accomplishing together that makes this such a rewarding experience for all involved. Sundays closing ceremony was incredible, Chaplain Steve’s message and Frank Pizarro’s voice….how could anyone not be touched.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
This is a great story for kids. Your son has, and will inspire many of the young people to help and care for others in need. This is a great legacy for him to grasp for his future. Living lessons are the best and that is what you are doing for many of the adults. Just to be a part of your endeavors is a uplifting experience and good for the soul, thanks for the opportunity to be a small part of this truly life changing event each year.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Jeff, Today is the day that my boys are showing their Powerpoint presentation to their classmates. We chose 9/12 as the day to show the presentation…because THAT is the date that truly matters. I cannot fully express in words how profoundly touched my boys and I have been. This experience has changed us. As I write this, I have tears streaming down my face for the horror our friends in Greensburg must have felt, and the blessings they have received and the losses they have grieved and the love and compassion and camaraderie that we saw on the build and the friendships we made and the hope that I have for my neighbors in Greensburg. This experience has changed how we view our town, our state and our nation. You, your beautiful family, FDNY members, the volunteers from all over the country and the amazing folks of Greensburg(especially Bob and Ann Dixson), are truly turning a nation into a neighborhood…that is powerful. I think back to when we lived in Houston and a Hurricane came through. After we returned from our evacuation, our whole neighborhood came together to pick up the limbs, trees and debris scattered around. This is the same…if everyone would take care of each other, like neighbors, what a different world we would live in. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I have attached a copy of their presentation to share with you. They worked hard on it and wanted me to share it with you and your son… “the boy that had an idea to change the world”. Thank you. Take care of yourselves. In the Spirit of Peace,
September 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Your organization is the BEST! We can’t thank you enough for all that everyone has done for Greensburg. Our thanks will be when your next project rolls around that Greensburg can send a group to help the next victims. All the people were so nice. Wish we could have had better weather but we will never turn down rain this time of year. Have a good day!
September 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
As I was so busy doing the logistics of the build, I missed so many things the rest of the group took part in but my favorite sites were these two things: 1) On Friday evening as sunset when Pia raised the first set of trusses with the American flag waving in the slight breeze and the New York Says Thank You banner hanging proudly. It was a beautiful and amazing sight, and 2) At 9:10 p.m. on Saturday evening, when I left the school gymnasium after setting up for the Sunday morning service. I was the last person to leave the gym. The gym lights were off except for the two permanent lights which seemed to spotlight Old Glory hanging as the backdrop of the stage. At that moment, I was filled with immense pride for being an American, for being part of this build and witnessing the determination of so many in such adverse weather conditions, for the loving and tender hands that repaired the tattered flag, for Charlie Vitchers bringing this beautiful flag to our community, and for the huge heart of Jeff Parness for walking into my office last January asking how he could help 4-H. I stood for just a few minutes in the quietness of that gymnasium and absorbed what had taken place during the past few days. My heart is filled with pride in what all we did accomplish. Yes the building is not complete, but we did plant the windbreak, we did make the 12′ x 24′ map of the nation that was signed and will be mounted inside the building, we did get the banners made and the building signs started; but more importantly we created relationships with people from across the nation and we provided a positive outlet for New Yorkers on the anniversary of one of our nation’s lowest points. For these accomplishments I am extremely grateful and cannot express enough gratitude to the volunteers who came to Greensburg to help build the Livestock Barn. I thank you all for allowing me to become part of this dysfunctional family! Sincerely,
September 11th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Kansas will be thinking of you guys (and everyone else) today.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
hey jeff parness this is jon blottin, it takes me awhile to digest the event. all in all considering the weather it was successful. personally i have a injured knee from a 1985 football injury that has made me miserable for the last 2 months it only hurts when i walk, sit, sleep, and is excruciating when i try to run. so i should probably see the doctor. the home run was hit for me on Sunday with the parade and Sunday service chaplin steve was at his best. your presentation brought it all back in focus. the problems we had with the weather and other job site conditions were put in their place when i was walking with my fellow lions in the parade .rick orozco brought the u.s and montana state flag. i carried the u.s. and rick had the montana flag. i had veterans salute the flag i was carrying and saw people crying when we walked by. when we came down the street and saw all the flags lining the street i was blown away. its kind of ironic when we came up to the front stage for the tag on the tree ceremony me and all of the other representatives of the volunteer groups and yourself had dust in our eyes at the same time, funny isn’t it. having the different lions clubs donate close to 20 grand made me feel great. i believe in america first .not really politically correct but i do not care. i hope we were able to bring the same hope to greensburg that has been brought to the other events. the people of greensburg need all the help we can provide, i dont think this one is over yet. i think you know me by now i’m in it for the long run. your friend,
September 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I am writing this memorandum on behalf of the members of the Kansas City contingent who went to Greensburg, Kansas, and had the good fortune to spend four days among the most interesting, generous, and resilient people we will ever encounter. I came away from Greensburg with a good feeling, secure in the knowledge that if just a few Americans are like the people we met there, we have nothing to worry about. No problem, however daunting, is really a problem. I know that all of you would have benefited from the experience as we did. We had heard that Greensburg was flattened. It was. The immediate damage of the devastation has healed somewhat. As the tornado came through over a year ago, most of the rubble has been cleared away, the trees that survived have leaves, and some reconstruction has begun. But the City Hall is still in a trailer, the high school consists of a temporary gym and about twenty trailer-classrooms, and the new water tower was only just completed. The museum shop for the world’s deepest hand dug well is still in temporary quarters, and the famous town meteorite is still in Hays for safekeeping. The football field in back of the temporary high school, on which ground will be broken for the new high school this month, still has the steel bleachers, half of which is in pristine condition, while the other half is bent and twisted, as if a giant had stepped on it. Bent flagpoles are evident all over the town. The “locals” are tough. But they are open and friendly. They appreciate the help they’ve received. They know they have a long way to go, but most understand that they have an opportunity to remake their town. The volunteers were brought to Greensburg by an organization called New York Says Thank You, which was founded by Jeff Parness, the husband of our New York colleague Sandy Hauser. As Jeff said many times, New York is eternally grateful for the generosity many Americans displayed after 9/11, but that NYSTY is not about 9/11, it’s about 9/12. That is, NYSTY is all about what happened after the Towers came down. People poured into New York to help, and in a small way NYSTY is New York returning the favor. Everyone pitched in. Some had excellent carpentry skills, others (such as yours truly) almost none. Our project was completing the framing of the 4-H community barn. The weather chose not to cooperate. It rained and the ground in and around the entire site became — and I’m not kidding — a sea of mud. It was at least six inches deep everywhere, and in some places well over a foot deep. And since the ground had a high clay content, the mud stuck like glue. But no one complained. After one gets wet and muddy, it becomes a non-event. We were a mess, but it never mattered. Sunday morning we all joined in a procession from the County Courthouse. Led by a FDNY bagpiper and the New York firemen, in uniform blues and marching in formation, and escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders on Harleys, we walked down Main Street, which still consists mostly of vacant blocks. The residents lined Main Street, each holding an American flag. I didn’t try to count, but we must have walked between well over 100 flags. When we entered the high school gym, we saw a huge flag, made up of pieces of a large flag saved from Ground Zero, its holes patched with flags retrieved from the Greensburg rubble. Someone told me it measured 20 feet by 32 feet, and I saw that it was draped over the gym’s basketball standards. The gym was full. The memorial service was also tough to take, with trees dedicated for the victims at the Towers and the Pentagon, and on Flight 93, as well as the victims of the tornado. I think I express the sentiment of everyone who went to Greensburg in saying that it was a life-changing experience. To know that there are so many good Americans makes me confident that we will confront and defeat our problems, regardless of their difficulty. We may not be able to help personally in the future on a NYSTY project, but we should do everything we can to support NYSTY
September 10th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
My daughter and I attended the barn raising in Greensburg. We are both very active in 4-H and I have to say that it was the best experience I have ever had. She and I worked on the flag quite a bit. It was an honor to be able to see; having the privilege of literally healing two communities by “sewing” them together was extremely humbling. I still get goose bumps thinking about it. I get tears every time I tell someone of our experience. We are going to be putting all of the pictures we took onto our flickr web site and will let you know when that is finished. Anyone will be able to go there and download and print pictures that they may want. My daughter is also going to be making a movie. She plans on presenting it at her school and hopefully to the local VFW and others who may be interested.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Jeff, I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you to everyone who showed up to help. Honestly I was almost dreading at how rough of a weekend this could be, but it turned out to be a great weekend that I enjoyed tremendously. After getting back home and talking to my kids their friends on the football, and volleyball teams etc. I realize whether you have or not the true impact of what you are accomplishing. The 300 hundred plus people that came to help build that barn is a small drop in the bucket. What we did in two days inspires well more numbers than that 300 can imagine. I have always worried about the character, morals and values of the next generation, you and your group and what we did in Greensburg inspires and motivates the youth. We may make a small impact in this country but with actions such as these we will inspire our children to be much better than us. Please keep me informed on the groups activities if at all possible I would like to maybe join next years build. From my family to yours God Bless,
September 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Jeff, What a truly amazing few days! You, your family, and your extended “dysfunctional” family demonstrated a level of spirit and generosity that most of us don’t witness all that often. You can count on me to be wherever you are next year – I’ve never had so much fun slogging around in the mud! It was more than a touching experience, I believe it to be a religious experience in the very best sense of the word. Everyone involved showed us what is best about the human spirit and we all need more of that. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the whole week around town the last couple of days. Shalom my friend,
September 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
We had such an amazing experience this weekend, Jeff. It was such a powerful experience. The community we witnessed, the goodness of the human heart, and the boundless capacity of the human spirit ….will stay with us forever.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that we had a wonderful time despite the weather. The closing ceremony was AMAZING!!! Thank you so very much for allowing us to be part of an incredible weekend. The people of Greensburg and all of the volunteers are truly incredible.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Jeff, I just wanted to thank you for this past weekend. It was undoubtedly a life changing experience for me. It helps put everything into perspective: personal challenges vs. REAL challenges. Often being wrapped up in our personal/professional lives, we forget what is truly important in life. Specifically, the Baker Chapel group: Some of the most inspirational people that I have ever met. In addition, I would love the opportunity to be involved with the planning, fund raising, organizing etc…Please let me know if you need some help, it would be a pleasure! Thank you again, for the opportunity!
November 27th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Jeff, I am using our experience in Texas as inspiration for a college essay and decided to post a comment. The weekend I spent in Texas with my father, and everyone we met while we were there was a truly memorable one. I think I learned a lot not only about myself and everyone I met, but about my dad in his business life: I always knew he was a wonderful man, though I only knew through our home life. Spending this time with him in Texas, because he wanted to know what he was donating to, really gave me a sense of what kind of man he is professionally and the kinds of people he chooses to donate to and associate with. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to see this in my daddy. I know I would have seen it sooner or later but you gave me a chance to right now. You are doing a truly incredible thing and I commend you for everything you have done. I am proud to say I helped in Texas, and have some awesome stories from it. I hope to see you next year with some college recruits! Best of luck
September 19th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Jeff, Sandy, Evan, Josh & Crew – The written word cannot adequately describe the emotions Misty and I felt throughout the entire effort to build James, Eva and Hunter a home. To experience what transpired from the first time you and I spoke on the phone in January 2007 to the memorial service/celebration on Sunday 9/9/07 will forever be etched in my heart. Every minute, every penny, every tired bone, every drop of sweat, every tear….everything it took to build my brother-in-law and his family a home…is worth it and I would gladly do it all over again. This as been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and that is saying a lot because I’ve been blessed with three beautiful children, a loving wife, a caring family and the lifelong brotherhood of the U.S. Marines and the Groesbeck Fire Department. I truly feel blessed to have been a part of the 2007 NYSTY Vincent Home Build. As for me and mine, we will go wherever the need requires in 2008. That’s a promise! “Fir Na Tine, Braithre Thar Gach Ni” (Gaelic for Men of Fire, Brotherhood Above all).
September 18th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for bringing your group to Groesbeck. It was a life-changing experience. God bless all of you.
September 17th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Jeff, Jen and I are still talking about the amazing weekend we had in TX. What an awesome experience! Working with the people from TX as well as IN, IL, LA, CA, and NYC – including some of the Ground Zero team, was just incredible! We wanted to let you know that we wore our NYSTY t-shirts on the return trip from Dallas to Philadelphia, and were able to tell the story to 15 people. One woman we talked to in the airport has a brother who is a vet. She literally got goose bumps when we told her about the Vincent family and their new home. We have also been telling people at work about the event, too – and the email below is from my manager. We were hoping to have people from Merck sponsor one firefighter – and looks like that might just happen! Shalom and God Bless America!
September 17th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Hey Jeff Parness this is Jon Blottin. This last event was great. Everything went off perfect. A total success. The people of Groesbeck treated us wonderful. To have the people from all past events there speaks for itself. I was proud to have our club send money for this event. That means we are healing up and moving forward. The best part of this is being the first event and seeing the whole project evolve. To be able to see each community that is so different but all the same come together and participate and go from being standoffish to excited and proud of the them selves, their community, and their country in just a couple days is special. I know in some of our conversations about upcoming events you have said how great this next event is going to be, then you say not that it will be better than your event. Jeff every event has been incredible they are all special to me and the rest of the Harbison Lions. Every place is different and special we thoroughly enjoy experiencing each new community. It’s just like Christmas day to me. I just look forward to the next one. Thank you from the Harbison Canyon Lions club.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
We just wanted to say thank-you to everyone that helped out this weekend. This has been an amazing weekend and we are so grateful for what everyone was able to do for my sister and her family. Thanks again from Groesbeck, Texas.
September 11th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always as I remembered all who were a part of the 9/11/01 terror. I think it’s an amazing thing you and your organization are doing in giving back. It was an honor to meet you guys on Thursday at the airport here in Austin, Texas. Although it was a brief encounter, the memory will last a lifetime. May God continue to bless you, your family and your organization for so generously giving of yourselves and your time. THANKS Y’ALL
September 11th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Jeff – I am a friend of Tim Callahan. We’ve known each other since 1999. I have learned from speaking with Tim that he volunteers for these weekends every year as a way of saying thank you to those who helped us out after 9/11, coming to our city, helping with the clean-up, and lending moral support. Tim wished for me to tell you that I was in Tower #1 on 9/11, working on the 85th floor, when the building was hit by the first plane. With the help of 5 other men, we managed to carry down 6 injured people from our floor to the lobby. We were then ushered into the concourse part of the tower, because they would not allow us to go outside to the street on Liberty or Broadway. Within 30 seconds of us entering the concourse, the building fell down on us, and we were buried for over 30 minutes. Only by the Grace of G-d was I rescued by emergency firefighters, and am alive today because of it. With the help of 5 other men, we managed to carry down 6 injured people from our floor to the lobby. We were then ushered into the concourse part of the tower, because they would not allow us to go outside to the street on Liberty or Broadway. Within 30 seconds of us entering the concourse, the building fell down on us, and we were buried for over 30 minutes. Only by the Grace of G-d was I rescued by emergency firefighters, and am alive today because of it. I would like to be notified for the next 9/11 project that your organization is going to. Thanks
September 11th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Jeff, I`m just leaving to pick up the mother of my pal and 9/11 victim Dom Mircovich and take her to the Closter NJ memorial service which is his hometown. As I pulled the Groesbeck navy blue T-shirt over my head I got goose bumps like I never had before. Amazing.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Jeff, Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of such an amazing gift. Your vision & passion for what can happen is what inspired us all. Thanks for the tremendous blessing you have given to all who participated.
September 10th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Welcome home Jeff! I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you again for the opportunity to join you in Groesbeck. I am still on cloud 9! Thanks to you I will face tomorrow September 11th with my heart full of gratitude. That’s a beautiful thing. Looking forward to many happy years ahead. Love, Megan
September 10th, 2007 at 10:49 am
Hey Jeff, Wanted to thank you for all you do and for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this blessing to others. In return you blessed me.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Dear Jeff, Words cannot express my thoughts following our build in Texas. I thank you so much for allowing me to participate in such a memorable event. It is truly one of the highlights of my life. When I arrived home, I realized not only was I physically exhausted, but the emotional exhaustion probably overwhelmed the physical. I pray God will continue to bless you and our organization. I am all ready looking forward to next year.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Jeff, I can’t explain the feelings that I felt, to be a part of the rebuild down here in Groesbeck, Texas with the Vincent family. What a tremendous outpouring of generosity, and love from not only the local community and it’s people, but from the New York Says Thank You organization, and all the people that you have helped in the past, who came back to Pay It Forward. What an inspiration, a blessing you, your family, and your organization are. It was a privilege to be able to help out, and I plan on helping out for many more years to come. It just goes to show that America really does have heart. If you ever need a medic team to go with you and take care of the guys, we will be there for you. It was a pleasure to be able to work along side of so many people who were faced with their own tragedy at one point in time, but instead of living with that grief, they turned it into a love that they have shown across the country. Texas will never forget you Jeff, or the team you brought with you that helped rebuild not only a house, but a piece of each of our hearts, that was torn by tragedy in one way or another. You give America hope, and show us that love amongst strangers, and amongst neighbors still does exist. It takes just one person doing a simple act of kindness, to change this world, and you have definitely done just that. We love you and will forever hold you, your family, and those who help each year in our hearts and in our prayers. God Bless you always in everything you do, you truly are an angel among us.
September 9th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Jeff: A brief reflection: When we embarked on this project, I knew it had the potential to be “over the top”…for the Vincent family, the town of Groesbeck and our staff who participated. How much I under estimated that! What an unbelievably marvelous tribute to mankind’s goodwill. My memories of September will now focus less on the tragedy but, instead, the triumph of good over evil. Thanks for the opportunity to be a small part of it. We live in an amazing country filled with remarkable folks like you. PS: We gotta work on the attire!
September 9th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Thank you so much, for what all you guys do. I was so touched. I will try to help with your next building. You are not only building homes. You are building our Nation. We all need to stand united.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Jeff, Words cannot begin to express all that happened this last weekend in Degonia Springs. Working with the FDNY team, the Amish, local volunteers and the other GE people to build all the exterior walls, most of the interior walls, sheet and wrap most of the outside…it was nothing short of amazing to see what people can do when they get together to accomplish a common goal. My wife and I are originally from Bergen County in Northern NJ. Jen used to work at Deloitte & Touche in Parsippany, NJ, so she was at the World Financial Center and the towers many times. So the fact that we had a chance to work with people who endured that tragic day, to make a positive impact on the local community, was nothing short of awesome! I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your leadership. Getting the word out, ‘paying it forward’ is a great concept, and is one that I have fully believed in for many years. I had heard sometime ago that it is not the dates on your gravestone that are critical, it’s what you did with the dash. This weekend I witnessed that. Thanks for your support in the effort this weekend. I can assure you that if at all possible, Jen and I will see you on the next project!
September 12th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Jeff, I just want to say thank you to you and your organization for including us in this years New York Says Thank you annual expedition. The weekend was so much more than I ever imagined it would be. I had imagined going down there, doing a little work and having some fun at night and coming home. One I never dreamed we would accomplish as much on that church as we did. And two I never even gave it a thought as to how much it would affect me. The hospitality was totally unexpected and the generosity of the people from that church was unbelievable. All day long someone was offering water or Gatorade or asking if we needed anything, a cookie, donut anything. But even more than that was how the people at the work site, the local church members were so appreciative. Always saying thank you for being here and cheering as they saw their little , which by the way is not so little, church slowly being erected. I worked hard, but even more than that I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Those people touched me in a way I never imagined would happen. In 2005 when you came to Granville and Utica, I was not a part of the fire department, I had retired. I rejoined in December and took over as Fire Chief again in March. After this past weekend I now wish I had been a part of last years endeavors. And I wonder if our communities showed you the appreciation and hospitality that DeGonia Springs brought forth? I cannot say that we will be there next year but I can say we will definitely make every effort to make it and help more people. It is going to be hard for you to top this past weekend though, I believe a lot of people were touched in more ways than they thought was possible. Thank you again and keep up the good work.
September 12th, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Jeff, Thanks for an awesome weekend it was a pleasure to meet each of your group and your hard work has been beyond words to describe just what you and your group did to help Baker Chapel UMC start to Re-build and heal. May God Bless each of you as you continue to pass it on and know next year you will have some of Baker Chapel people joining you in your next project to going forth to help another community heal and Re-build. Thanks and Bravo for your awesome New York Says Thank You Foundation.
September 12th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
I wanted to thank you for a great weekend with the Baker Chapel Group in Degonia Springs. The help and volunteers were great. It is very overwhelming when they first come in and all the outpouring response from the community. My family and I were able to talk with the firemen and and volunteers from different areas. The guys from Granville, Illinois explained they were also amazed when you guys went and helped them last year. I understand the “pay it forward” quote and intend on doing that in the future. Once again thanks for a great weekend. Thanks,
September 12th, 2006 at 8:27 am
Jeff, I want to thank you for having us be part of something great. It was great to be working along side all of the FDNY and all the other firemen and women from all over that came to be part of this rebuilding. Even though we were not able to stay for the final festivities I felt great about what we accomplished in the one day we were there. My hat is off to all that were there the first day to get all that they did. For myself being a desk jockey my entire career it was great to be hammering nails, lifting up walls, helping put up the steeples along side the firemen and women, theAmish people, towns people and all the other volunteers that came to help in the rebuilding. I don’t remember the last time I swung a hammer or lifted walls andI was sore after but it felt great because it was for a great cause. In the last 2 years I learned more about planting and building than I have in my 56 years. Jeff, because of you and New York Says Thank You, you have given hope to people and places in need of rebuilding. Whether it be planting trees, building fishing docks or rebuilding churches, just when they thought there was nohope in site Jeff finds a way to get the job done. You are a great person and I thank you for all that you do and having us as part of your organization You have made 9/11 easier for me to deal with the last 2 years and for years to come. I will always be there for you. I am ready for the next project. Thank you
September 11th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Jeff, first of all…..I want to thank you for inviting me to go to Indiana. It was a remarkable trip that I will always remember and hold close to my heart. I was truly overwhelmed by the experience. Secondly, I will get you a copy of all of my photos from the trip within the next few days. Still trying to get settle in and unpack, wash clothes and catch up on sleep. Most of all I wanted to let me know that my thoughts are with you on this day. You , the guys and all of New York. Just wanted you to know that. I don’t need to say anymore. Sincerely,
September 11th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Thank you very much for helping our community to heal in our hearts, by helping to rebuild our Churchin DeGoniaSprings.Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
September 11th, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Hi Jeff, I hope your day is going well. I wanted to write and say thank you for letting GFD be a part of the weekend. It feels great to have done something good for others and see the product at hand. You really have created and awesome organization. Ron, Damon, and I had 6 hrs on the way home to chat about the weekend and we can’t wait to see where it leads us next. Thanks again and let us know if we can help in any other way until them.
September 11th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
From a Baker Chapel pastor: Jeff, I had the honor of serving Baker Chapel United Methodist Church for 4 years (2000-2004) and to pray, hope, and dream with the people there about future service to God and people around the world. Never in a million years would I have dreamed of the road the church would travelÑfirst the destruction of November 6, 2005 and then the indescribable show of love, support, and hard work displayed this weekend because of the New York Says Thank You Foundation. I doubt words will ever be able to express what you all have done for us. On Sunday, September 16, 2001, we at Baker Chapel mourned with the world the tragedy of 9-11. I won’t forget that day. The first words spoken at church were from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” We wept together and prayed for you, the victims, and for the world that would never be the same. I am personally humbled and in awe of how God brought some redemption to the tragedies we have experienced. Thank you for being used for this redemption. Keep up the good work!
September 11th, 2006 at 11:29 am
Dear NewYorkSaysThankYou.org: As a member of Baker Chapel, I am so truly overwhelmed by your unselfish act of love. When I started keeping track of the framing up of our building I couldn’t imagine that with in 3hrs 5mns. that it would be totally framed. See what people can do when working as a team can do. You all worked toward the goal and it got done. People in our community have seenthat witha spirit of cooperation what can be accomplished. We will continue to lift you up with prayers and monetary funds. Thank you and God Bless you all,
September 11th, 2006 at 10:48 am
Thanks so much to all of you from New York……This past weekend was awesome and we so very much appreciate your help in rebuilding our little church…God’s blessings to all of you!
September 11th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Jeff and members of New York Says Thank You, I am a resident of Boonville, Indiana, I was very impressed with the work I witnessed in the small town of Degonia Springs this past weekend. The work us did has helped start the rebuilding of a small country church in our community. I have many friends and neighbors that attend this church and I am sure that they appreciate your work as well. Keep up the good work. If you need help in the future let me know I would love to be a part of this glorious giving of love to our neighbors.
September 11th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Jeff, Thanks once again for an incredible experience. I loved it!
September 11th, 2006 at 9:09 am
WOW!! It was such a blessing to have you come and help rebuild Baker Chapel. You have touched so many lives by what you have done. We will never forget you! God Bless,
September 11th, 2006 at 8:27 am
We are so glad we had the opportunity of meeting you and the fire fighters and others. We wish to thank you for allowing us to participate in your special program. It was honor to meet the chaplain of the homeland security. If any of you and your families come our way again stop at Baker Chapel United Methodist Church in Degonia Springs, Indiana.
September 11th, 2006 at 8:15 am
Thank you and your foundation for coming to Baker Chapel United Methodist Church in Degonia Springs, Indiana on September 8, 9, and 10, 2006. We appreciate all the work you did and helping us to raise the finances to re-build our church. God Bless each one of you.
September 10th, 2006 at 3:29 am
Jeff, What a successful weekend at the ‘Baker Chapel’ project. Your guys and our group bonded so well in such a short time. The only thing the firemen had trouble with was hitting a fast pitch softball from the girls softball team. Knowing you have lots of projects to get to, I will keep this short. If you would like, I took several pictures of the guys working on the chapel and of the Sunday services and would be glad to e-mail some of the better ones to you. Let me know. Thanks.
September 10th, 2006 at 3:22 am
Thank you from DeGonia Springs — You just left DeGonia Springs……and we’ll never be the same! At Baker Chapel we always say, “God is good all of the time” and the response is “All the time God is good”. God was worked through youand your wonderful group this weekend. They made us cry, they made us laugh and then made us cry again. It’s about the building but then it’s not about the building………we, “maybe” someday would have had a building……but we would never have had the love you’ve shown us this weekend. I’m not young anymore………and this weekend has to be right up there near the top of “life’s best” for me…..right after marriage and the birth of my children. Again “New York Says Thank-you” …..DeGonia Springs says thank-you too! Love,
September 9th, 2006 at 10:24 am
WOW! Dear Jeff, Your foundation and the people working through it have really started a movement throughout the country. Thank you for putting your money and time where your mouth is and teaching others to do the same in loving their neighbors, and showing kindness and generosity to those in need, wherever they may be. I was at Baker Chapel the last two days with my young daughter and your zeal for helping is infectious; this is evidenced by the collection of volunteers from around the country who have joined in your mission and the people of Degonia Springs who are excited to join in your next project while they seek out others on their own who need a hand. Thank you for following this great vision. Blessings,
December 10th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
Hi Jeff and family: I am part of Tony Nata’s family and wanted to express how thankful I am for the great act of kindness you brought down to Slidell, Louisiana. I speak for everyone when I say that it means so much to us that you, the FDNY and Illinois firefighters, and the families you have helped previously came to help our family in our time of need. Tony and Jesse love to fish and it is one of the few things that Tony loves to do. Giving them back the fishing deck that was lost in the hurricane was one of the greatest gifts anyone could have given. I hope that my son, Jesse, sees what the kindness of strangers can do in this world and will one day return the act of kindness to others. It was a wonderful weekend and I can’t wait to help out with your next mission. Thanks again,
September 15th, 2005 at 1:00 pm
Jeff, Sandra, Evan and Josh: I have just had a few minutes to review all of the pictures on the web site. I am still so overwhelmed at how well the weekend evolved and how meaningful the events were to so many. On behalf of the Board of Directors for United Way of Illinois Valley and our entire community, thank you and know that we will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you and everyone from New York and Harbison Canyon. This weekend helped send the message that the Illinois Valley, Utica, Granville and Lynwood can no longer be defined solely by our tornado experience. We have so much more to offer in the way of beauty, compassion, and volunteerism. We are moving ahead as a community united! We are already considering how we can partner with you in March and again in September. Hugs to all and know you have friends in Illinois. With heartfelt appreciation,
September 15th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
Note to the Harbison Canyon Folks: You are already in the heart of Dixie. See you in March or September!
September 14th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
Hey Jeff Parness this weekend was unbelievable, I was so proud to be in Utica with my fellow club members, working on this project along side the FDNY and the Ottawa Lions Club. this effort you have taken on is a tribute to the American spirit. Just like I said at the last lunch on Sunday you are truly an American leader. This country needs more people to take on the leadership role that you have demonstrated. Remember leaders are not born they are made. They are made with hard work and determination. Your demonstration of leadership during times of need has inspired many people to stand up and take a stand for what is right. And also has reassured people who have been in a leadership role that what they are doing is most important for the success of our nation. It’s time to stand up and salute the achiever, the doer, the leaders. With this I, am happy to say you are my friend and you have my trust.
September 13th, 2005 at 1:00 pm
Jeff (our favorite “mensch-dude”), we got back last night from our NY Says Thank You weekend in Utica, IL–what a great trip! New Yorkers, Californians, and Mid-Westerners, all having suffered tragic losses in our own hometowns, came together to plant trees in memorial to those brave souls we lost; those trees will provide shade to our children and their children and give testimony to the unity and resilience of the human spirit. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. Can’t wait until the next trip, when we march into the heart of Dixie!
September 13th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
I just want to write a note for all those who came to Utica, IL, to plant trees this September 11 weekend, 2005. We may not always have been the most eloquent in expressing ourselves, but I want to make sure that the gratitude, admiration, and pride felt during the weekend, and which still continues on, is understood by those selfless individuals who came to town. Amazing men and women from New York and California came and planted trees in a very small Midwestern community; to a place situated in this island of wilderness amongst the enormous sea of Illinois corn, the loss of trees by the tornado was just as devastating as loss of property and life. And to have people come all that way to help was deeply moving. They could have just come to town to hang out and lend moral support, and we all would have been thrilled, but the work done and bonds created surpassed all expectations. All of the work by the New York Fire Department and those from Harbison Canyon, CA, touched people, lives, a community, and beyond, this weekend. I truly hope they carry this knowledge with them always because no one here will ever forget. Jeff Parness, you are an angel walking this earth to have orchestrated all of this. Thank you, and God bless you all.
September 10th, 2005 at 12:00 pm
Jeff it was my pleasure to spend a small part of my day with you and part of your group today, (9/10/05) here in Granville Illinois. The work that was done here today is going to remind our entire town what a group of dedicated people can accomplish in a short time. Several members of our Fire Department and myself and several other members of our Village Board are waiting for our chance to join with you and our new friends on the next deployment of your group….
January 23rd, 2004 at 7:45 pm
Jeff, I am SO PROUD of you and your mission!! What a wonderful thing you are doing! Above that, you are setting a good example to your children and children around the world what it is to help each other without expecting a thing! The reward is the warm feeling in your heart! A dear friend of mine, I met her while a soloist for the largest Presbyterian church in America at that time, Highland Park Presbyterian Church of Dallas Texas led by Dr. Bell Billy Grahams brother in law, is so fond of saying: “have you ever seen a u-haul going into heaven?” Meaning material things we can’t take with us, good deeds to humanity we can!! Happy and healthy New Year to you as well!!! Warmest Wishes,
December 29th, 2003 at 11:21 pm
I am so happy I decided to work the jetBlue flight from JFK-SAN on Christmas Day- Triple Time Pay for me. It was great meeting you and your family- Keep in Touch!
December 14th, 2003 at 9:38 pm
Jeff, I read a sizable amount of information on this amazing development. I am so proud of your son primarily and of course your whole family. I shared this great stroy with my fiance the same evening you told me. She was impressed. I presume she has sent you her views on this remarkable development.I shall continue to share it with many more pepole around the world. Good Luck.
December 13th, 2003 at 11:40 am
One of our members, Steve Holden, was present when you were in California, Harbison, Canyon. Thanks for your great effort(s).
December 9th, 2003 at 1:14 pm
Dearest Jeff, Sandy and EVAN just wanted to say the we are sooooo very proud and touched by what you have done and are continuing to do. What a great project and a nice way to help people in need. Well done guys and good luck. If we can be of any help please let us know.
December 6th, 2003 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for letting me join. Am sending a check.
December 4th, 2003 at 6:34 pm
My heart aches for the hundreds of people who lost their houses and belongings due to the fires that ravaged through your cities and towns. We here in BC know your saddness as just when our fires ended yours started. You all are very brave. Hugs and Love. Pat C. Pat
December 4th, 2003 at 4:34 pm
Mighty work comes with a thought put into action!! God Bless my American brothers & sisters.
December 4th, 2003 at 3:41 pm
Jeff and Evan You have done an incredible job. We appreciate it. San Diego County certainly needs the help and support at this time. Our back country of San Diego County is unbelieable. There were 1010 homes loss in the Julian area, 287 in Harbison Canyon, 220 in Valley Center, 220 in Ramonia,80 in Petuz Valley, 22 Dunbar Lane 100 in Crest, 100 in Alpine, and other areas. This fire rolled so quickly to flame burst and traveling by the wind through 376,000 acres. All of this won’t be solved in one day or one week but months. Thank you for all that you are doing and continut to do on behalf of the Citizens of San Diego County. Jeff you must have been a Lion Club member in your past life. You are the spirit that rings throughout Lions club everywhere. Lions Club Motto is We Serve. Best personal regards and God Bless you Jeff and family. Hugs to Evan
December 4th, 2003 at 2:35 pm
Having been the victim of a disasturous fire when I was young I know how the families of San Diego have suffered. There were many in my town that helped us in they way you guys have helped them and I cried when I heard of this You and your son and the many who joined you are true heroes. Thank you from Michigan.
December 4th, 2003 at 1:18 pm
I saw your story on CNN this morning and although I can’t really help I am helping by sending your site to everyone that I know all over the world. This is such an awesome way you,your son and family have decided to HELP. Here in our Province we had a bad Interface Forest fire and many also lost their homes so we have helped with that. When I was 14 we lost our General Store and living accomadtions so I well remember how terrible it was to start over with nothing. God Bless You and everyone in this awesome fund raiser!
December 4th, 2003 at 12:51 pm
Jeff, Great job in creating this site. As New Yorker I appreciate this opportunity of saying thank you to the everyone who helped us when we needed it, and being able to do my little part to assist those in the San Diago County area in need of some help as the Holidays approach. Good luck to all of you.
December 4th, 2003 at 12:38 pm
Jeff, I saw you on CNN this morning & visited your website – What you are doing is absolutely tremendous & one of the greatest acts of Patriotism I have ever seen. I lost my Cousin Tom (FDNY) 911 & I know what it feels like to give, and give back – God Bless you and your Son Jeff & and know that I as Former US Special Force’s member (Marine Recon) & combat veteran, think of you, your Son, and all the other’s who participated in this wonderful act of kindness, as true American Heroes – Thank you for helping keep America strong & free. If there was ever a time in which I ever doubted the purpose of any mission, Seeing your story dispelled them all. Today you made me, and America proud. Mission Accomplished – Semper Fi
December 4th, 2003 at 12:38 pm
Hey Jeff, This is Linda. I just wanted to tell you that our Thoughts and Prayers are with ALL of the survivors, especially today, and even though we think of it everyday, Today is obviously even more.
December 4th, 2003 at 11:38 am
We saw you on CNN this morning. Great Job you all are doing. It’s so nice to see people who care for others. Thanks!!
December 4th, 2003 at 10:52 am
our children, our untapped healing resource! …”from the mouth of babys”… All praise and honor to Abba Father, Our Lord, Christ Jesus, and the Blessed Holy Spirit!
December 4th, 2003 at 10:47 am
I was really touched when I saw this on TV. So nice to see such kindness after all the heartache and sadness in the world.
December 4th, 2003 at 10:44 am
I saw you on tv this morning.Very nice and thanks.We need more of this now.Great job!!!!
December 4th, 2003 at 10:42 am
Hi. I just saw your story on the news. Great job and great inspiration. Keep up the good work!
December 4th, 2003 at 10:41 am
Just got done watching CNN, as you both were just on it, and i would like to say You are truly angels and heros!
November 25th, 2003 at 7:55 pm
Wow!!! Jeff, as always I’m inspired by your vision, passion, joie de vie (sp!) and generous heart. And it appears to run in the family! Thank you for the good work you, Sandy, Evan, and Joshua are doing on the planet! love, Heather Loren Milo Cordelia
November 21st, 2003 at 2:25 am
I had an encounter w/ Jeff Parness & Stavros Michailidis tonite @ checkpoint security as they were leaving out to N.Y., on Jet Blue airlines. Thankyou for the help, May God Bless u All!!!! JUNE!
November 19th, 2003 at 9:42 am
Jeff & Family Its wonderful families like yours that makes America the best place to live. Can’t wait to read more updates about your trips. I have childrens clothes but I also have toys, books and adult clothing to give to the cause as well. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
November 19th, 2003 at 8:52 am
Jeff, Evan and family- We are very proud of you and your selfless work to help those that need it most no matter where they are. With regard to 9/11, I think no one knows better than we tri-state New Yorkers how much these kind acts, these acts of love, can help to make us whole.
November 18th, 2003 at 2:12 am
Jeff, we talked on the phone, you got my number from your slide show and called me regarding harbison canyon, look forward to seeing you tomorrow, will try and call you later today, if I don’t speak with you have a safe trip
November 17th, 2003 at 11:59 am
I am so very proud of how caring and generous you are to the strangers you heard about. Many people are never that generous with people they know. Your giving heart and love for your fellow man is what makes this a wonderful world. I promise to do the same for people near my community who can benefit from your kind of love and support.You have made a difference. I am so very proud to know you!
November 17th, 2003 at 11:49 am
Jeff,Sandy, Evan and Josh, Your tremendous effort, action and commitment to help and make a difference is truly inspirational. Thanks for creating an opportunity and environment at The Columbia for all of us to teach such valuable lessons to our children. We’re glad we could be a small part of this movement of hope! Your neighbors and friends a the Columbia, Lori, Steve, Jessica and Ari Kantorowitz.
November 17th, 2003 at 11:47 am
Great work, Jeff, Evan, Sandy, the two drivers, and everyone involved. Our thoughts are with those who suffered from the fires.
November 13th, 2003 at 9:38 pm
Thank You, Thank You, we must listen to our children more.Thank God you did. I am so inspired by the wisdom your son has shown.Dreams do come true and wishes can be a reality.The families of Harbison Canyon will forever remember your visit and personal support when it was truly needed. The lions of District 4L6 in San Diego and Imperial County, will always have a special place in our hearts and homes for you.Thank you again, Bucky Blottin
November 13th, 2003 at 4:49 pm
Hi Jeff, I wanted to add my sentiments regarding your incredibly kind act, of helping fire victims in San Diego recently. I live in San Diego and was shocked to find over a foot of ash in my front yard the day after the fires. I Iive a half-hour away from that area, and still had to shovel my way out of my driveway!! There were giant drifts of black-snow everywhere. We had no actual daylight for 2-days. It looked like a nuclear explosion! The streets were empty. Schools were closed for a week. The gas masks, surgical masks, and particle masks were sold out from all the stores. We were truly scared it wouldn’t end! I have a daughter who has epilepsy, and was quite concerned the commotion would cause a seizure. (She wound up handling it better than I did though!) I am originally fron New York. I was born in Brooklyn, and raised in Suffolk County (Sayville). We left when I was 16. I am going back in two weeks for the first time in 30 years! I wanted to make sure that my daughter has a chance to see the place where I grew up. I can hardly wait!!! San Diego may be home, but New York is in my heart and soul!!! You made me cry with your kindness Jeff! You’re a true hero to all of us in San Diego!! THANK YOU ALL FOR CARING SO MUCH!!! The familes that have been affected wil be dealing with this for years to come. I can only hope that this never, ever happens again! And if If any Single Parents are in need of housing or childcare in any part of the country, for any reason, I am offering the use of my web site- ForSingleParents.com, as a free resource for housing, childcare and emotional support with other single parents. Let’s make sure the kids are ok. If you need help, log-on. Disasters happen. Life happens. But we are in this world together. All of us are family! Thank you for reminding me of that Jeff!! You are always welcome at my dinner table!!! Sincerely, Laura Ladd – ForSingleParents.com San Diego, CA 1:42 pm 11-13-2003 It’s clear and cool in San Diego today. With no fires in sight!! (Thank you God!!) : ) Life is good!
November 13th, 2003 at 4:44 pm
We welcome you home Today! Thanks for the great slide show presentation, keep up the good work regards from all your friends and neighbors at the Columbia Condominium in NYC. We are very proud of you.
November 12th, 2003 at 8:41 pm
I shared a cab with you a few days before you left. Glad to see everything is going well. What an inspiration.
November 11th, 2003 at 7:59 pm
Having lived in NY for over 25 years, I am proud that you and your son have responded the way you have to the thousands of families that were displaced by the fires. My wife and I pray that god will watch over and take care of them. We are very thankful that we have been in a position to donate the monies that we have. Thank You!!
November 11th, 2003 at 11:47 am
I just want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your project. As a San Diegan, I can’t tell you how devastating the fires were, not just by burning homes but buy destroying lives, or just how many people I knew were affected by them. Your act of charity warms my heart and the hearts of all San Diegans. Thank you.
November 10th, 2003 at 9:35 am
Bless you!!!! We have been devastated here in San Diego County and with the holidays coming, you couldn’t be more welcomed! May God bless you always!
November 9th, 2003 at 11:23 pm
Evan-Jeff-and Family– I just want to say how touched I was today by what you are all doing! I was trying to figure out all day how I could contribute. Evan, all of America is so proud of you doing what you do. On behalf of St Louis I say thank you! Lynne D.
November 9th, 2003 at 2:39 pm
Hey Guys, Hope your trip is going well. We’re all thinking of you here and think your efforts are incredible! It really gives me a great feeling to see people who really care. Glad I could help be a part of it in NYC. Robin
November 9th, 2003 at 2:16 pm
Hey Jeff, I am a good friend of Noam and Alyssa’s (actually I set them up.) I just wanted to say how impressed I am by what you are doing, and to tell you that your brother is incredibly proud of you. Keep up the good work!
November 9th, 2003 at 9:19 am
Travel safely guys, and deliver the goods to those who need them asap! I’m glad I could be of service and commend your efforts.
November 9th, 2003 at 9:15 am
I’m in the southern part of San Diego County and only got ashed/smoked. Did you make it out here? Where are you? I was in the Scripps Ranch area today and it’s very depressing seeing all the charred houses, trees, etc.
November 9th, 2003 at 9:13 am
We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed your visit and wish you all a very safe trip. We all applaud the wonderful gesture you have taken under your belt. We will definately keep up on updates on the web site to see how the trip is coming. If there is anything we can do to help you let us know. Congratulations on the success of your voyage of good heartedness. Best Wishes!! The Management and Staff of the SpringHill Suites (Jim, Christy, John, and Myself all send a fond hello!)
November 8th, 2003 at 6:51 pm
Jeff – We are all really proud of you and what you are doing! Regards from the Silver Spring contingent: Dad, Chani, Noam, Alyssa, Tamar, Jeremy, Merav, and Avital.
November 7th, 2003 at 9:21 pm
My daughter Heather Kilgore just called me from work to tell me about what you are doing. She bought a few toys from her place of employment to add to the truck. She was very excited to hear what you were doing. She also got a thank you from Evan over the phone. You asked that we post the time and place you were at on here. It was in Montrose, IL on I70 at 7:30 p.m. November 7. Good Luck and have a safe trip.