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We would like to publicly thank all the people who helped make the events of Sept. 10 and Sept. 11, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11, such a success.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Run/Walk was held at Urbana University and through the city with more than 200 participants and many volunteers.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, the Community Day of Remembrance was held at Urbana University with more than 400 attendees. International speaker, spiritual leader and New York Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson electrified the audience with a passionate plea to everyone to become more actively involved in our democracy, to hold elected officials accountable for their action or inaction, and to be the change we want for our country and world. She also talked about the healing power of forgiveness and atonement.
The World House Choir gave an uplifting performance about our common humanity. University president George Lucas and Urbana Mayor Bill Bean warmly welcomed everyone. Mayor Bean announced the signing of a resolution that designated Urbana as an International City of Peace. Through the efforts of the city, the university and the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund, Urbana becomes the 140th city internationally to become a City of Peace.
We give thanks to our 2016 corporate sponsors including our host Urbana University, spearheaded by Tammy Leiker and the Alicia Titus Memorial peace team, From War to Peace; KTH Parts Industries, Inc.; Schirbyz Party Rental; CRSI; Johnson Welded Products; Parker Trutec; and East Lawn & Garden. And, we give thanks to the many other generous donors that helped us raise nearly $11,000 for the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund this year.
We especially want to thank the City of Urbana, the Urbana City Police Department, the Urbana City Fire Department, and the Boy Scouts of America for all of their support and keeping our Peace walkers and runners safe.
Additionally, we are very grateful for the 55 area businesses that made donations for this year’s door prizes and raffle. We especially thank Main Graphics; Jac N-Do’s for donating the pizza for the Peace Run; Aaron’s for donating the water for the runners and walkers; and to Pa’s Produce for donating the wonderful apples and bananas. We could not do this without each and every one of you.
Alicia Titus, our daughter, died tragically on Sept. 11, 2001, while working as a flight attendant on United Airlines flight 175. The Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund was established at Urbana University in August of 2002 by the Titus family and church friends, all of whom have close affiliations with the university. The purpose of the fund is to carry out the legacy and spirit of Alicia’s life by sponsoring programs for the university and community that promote and support a culture of peace. Alicia’s Fund also supports an endowed scholarship for an entering freshman woman who demonstrates the values and the spirit of Alicia.
We thank all of our volunteers for their time, love and support. You all make a difference in our lives, and in our community as we together create a culture of peace, one act of kindness at a time.
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