A Promising Community
As I reflect on this past month, I am filled with gratitude for the community that makes Tuesday’s Promise so special.
Our 2026 Gala: A Promising Evening was a tremendous success, and I want to thank everyone who helped make the evening possible. We could not host these events without our co-chairs Erica Barrett, Bridget Gormley, and Fred Strobel, generous sponsors, supporters, Board members, staff, and volunteers. RXR generously donated one of the most beautiful rooftop venues in New York City, providing a stunning setting for an evening dedicated to our mission. Their generosity, along with the support of our partners, helped make the night truly special.
This year’s Gala was especially meaningful as our Board Chair, Jes Waring, shared her personal story, reminding us why our mission matters so deeply. Members of our Junior Board and those who received services as children, Patrick, Maggie, Charlotte, and Benjamin, presented awards to our esteemed honorees. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our work and the ways our families continue to give back.
We were also honored to have David Ferrugio, host of the DEAD Talks podcast and someone who knows the profound impact of 9/11 loss firsthand, generously donate his time to serve as our emcee. David brought a deeply personal connection to the evening and helped bring our community’s impact to life.
We could not have honored a more deserving group of individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of 9/11 families, responders, and families who have experienced a military service loss in the post-9/11 era: Sergeant Major Kevin Bittenbender, John Feal, and our inaugural Legacy Award recipient, Roger Coleman.
Our events are an important source of support for the services we provide to families. Jen Henriquez, our Chief Impact Officer, has done an outstanding job ensuring we maximize every dollar without sacrificing the experience. She understands that responsible stewardship means directing as much funding as possible toward the families who rely on us, and I am grateful for her leadership.
I am equally grateful for our community of endurance runners who dedicate their miles to our mission. You remind us that endurance is about more than crossing a finish line; it is about showing up for others, even when the road is difficult. To those preparing to run the New York City Marathon this weekend, know that we will be thinking of you, cheering you on, and carrying your commitment to our families with us every step of the way.
As we continue strengthening our programs and expanding our reach nationally, our commitment remains the same: to meet families where they are, honor their experiences, and ensure meaningful support is available when they need it most.
Thank you for being part of the Tuesday’s Promise community. I am honored to lead this organization and deeply grateful to everyone who makes our mission possible.
With gratitude,
Becky Rossman, CEO
