Grieving families are reflecting on the aftermath of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s massive $2 million donation during their wedding week.
Ahead of their July 3 nuptials at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Swift and Kelce donated a combined $26 million to charity organizations across America, including one New York-based foundation called Answer The Call.
According to its website, Answer The Call is a benefit fund founded in 1985 that provides immediate financial assistance as well as stipends to the families of New York City police officers, firefighters, Port Authority police and EMS personnel who have been killed in the line of duty.
In a July 20 Instagram post, the foundation thanked Swift and Kelce for gifting $2 million to the fund and included letters of appreciation from nine of their recipients, adding, “many of the families we serve wanted to share their gratitude in their own words.”
Valerie Perry, a widow of a PAPD officer, said in a statement included in the post: “I am one of the older widows. My William was shot and killed on December 22, 1980. We buried him on Christmas Eve.
“Answer the Call has changed my life with our yearly checks, but they have also brought smiles because I feel like my Bill is always remembered, even after all these years,” she explained.
She continued to write to Swift and Kelce: “Now, to read about your donation? I am in tears for such a gift to all these families that have been through so much.
“Prayers for your future together, and God bless both of you for your generosity and your caring souls for doing something so amazing.
Other recipients highlighted the fact that Swift, 36, previously performed at America’s Camp, which is a summer camp that was created for children who lost loved ones in the September 11 terror attacks.
“My children have been devoted Taylor fans ever since they saw you perform at America’s Camp in 2003,” said Theresa Giammona, the wife of FDNY Captain Vincent Giammona, who was killed on September 11, 2001. “What always meant the most to us is that you never forgot the America’s Camp families.”
She continued: “Thank you for Answering the Call, for your generosity, and most of all, for never forgetting the families you have continued to lift up over the years.”
Answer The Call also thanked the newlyweds.
“Taylor and Travis, thank you for your incredible generosity and for standing with the families of fallen New York City first responders,” the organization said on Instagram. “Your gift will make a tangible difference in their lives.”
