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April 2 , 2021

Calling all businesses, schools, houses of worship to commit to Pay It Forward 9/11 for 20th anniversary of 9/11

After more than a year of fighting the pandemic, the 2021 Pay it Forward 9/11 initiative offers a unique way to bring unity to America. This September 11th marks twenty years since the terror attacks of 9/11 and provides a unique opportunity for organizations to participate in the National Day of Service through simple random acts of kindness.

"We said we would never forget those who lost their lives and the heroes from that time," said Kevin Tuerff, Pay it Forward 9/11 President and Founder. "The pandemic has brought worldwide suffering and we encourage businesses, schools, houses of worship and nonprofits to join us in spreading kindness and compassion as a way to restore unity."

Pay it Forward 9/11 was started in 2002 by a small business owner in Austin, Texas who was a recipient of radical hospitality and compassion in 2001. Each year, on the anniversary of 9/11, people are encouraged to honor all who were killed that day by doing three good deeds or random acts of kindness (Saturday, September 11, 2021). Over the years, the ripple effect of kindness and compassion has spread far and wide as everyday people reach out to people they know or complete strangers.. In 2019, the focus of the effort was to express gratitude toward healthcare heroes, essential workers and workers in the arts.

Thanks to the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Come From Away, families, workplaces, schools, and houses of worship from the US, Canada, UK and Australia have adopted this grassroots tradition. Each year thousands of organizations and individuals have participated. The effort has been recognized by dozens of media outlets worldwide including Washington Post, Fox News, Austin American Statesman, Oregonian, CBC-TV.

The organization is seeking financial sponsors and individual donations to help spread the word and increase participation for this year’s event. Learn more at or email info@payitforward911.org. You can also register your commitment for Pay It Forward 9/11 on the Facebook page.

Pay it Forward 9/11, Inc. is a nonprofit organization registered in the State of New York.