September 11, 2001, is a day that changed our country, and this community, forever. On this day, four commercial airliners were hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed in what is known as the deadliest terrorist attack in world history.

In the aftermath of the attack, local leaders from The Community Foundation came together with our donors and partners to launch the Survivors’ Fund to help victims and families directly affected by the attack on the Pentagon. Over the span of 7 years, the fund raised $25 million and helped 1,051 individuals to access the services and support they needed to achieve long-term financial and emotional stability.

In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we hosted a conversation with The Community Foundation’s former president & CEO, Terri Lee Freeman, about what she learned from spearheading this local multi-year crisis response effort and what advice our community should heed as we recover from the current crisis, and prepare for future crises.

Speakers included:

• Tonia Wellons, President and CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation

• Terri Lee Freeman, Executive Director, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

• Daniel K. Mayers, former Chair, Survivors’ Fund Governance Board