A year ago, Scott Jablow had a lofty goal — one that is now coming to fruition.
That goal was to raise the nearly $80,000 necessary to build a 9/11 memorial at Sedona Fire District Station 6 prior to the 15th anniversary of that fateful day. It was announced this week that the goal had been met and that no further fundraising is needed.
Of the money raised, nearly half came from 45 donations of $911 each.
“I am very appreciative of the generosity from so many residents and corporate sponsors for this community project,” Jablow said.
A release from the SFD states, “Due to the tremendous generosity of our community and donors from around the country, the commitments and funds already received have allowed us to exceed our goal to fund the memorial. Any future donations received will be used for project enhancements, such as landscaping, signage, dedication ceremony, etc. Donations of $911 or more will be recognized on a donor plaque at the site, and the cut-off date for any further donor recognition is Friday, July 15.”
The idea of having a memorial here in Sedona honoring those lost was the brainchild of Jablow, who was a member of SFD’s Governing Board. [He stepped down after being elected to Sedona City Council]. Two years after first making the initial request to get a piece of steel girder from one of the Twin Towers, the project is becoming a reality as work began on the project in late May. The girder will be the centerpiece along with benches, a donation plaque and lighting.
The goal of the SFD 9/11 Memorial Committee was to fund this project by private and corporate donations without burdening taxpayers for additional costs; as that has now been achieved, SFD has been fully reimbursed for all hard costs it incurred on the architectural design, advertising and supplies.
A 9/11 Memorial committee was formed and led by Jablow, who was joined in his efforts by SFD board member David Soto and residents Kyle Jablow, Wendy Tanzer and Dennis Burke.
“Having a citizens committee so focused, and a Governing Board who understands the importance of this project, has made making this project a reality light work for staff,” SFD Chief Kris Kazian said. “I am very proud of the committee and those generous supporters from our community, businesses and those from outside Sedona. We are honored to host such a special piece of America’s history.”
The centerpiece of the SFD 9/11 Memorial is a 5-foot, 3,000-pound piece of steel from what is believed to be the 20th floor of one of the Twin Towers of the former World Trade Center. This permanent memorial will honor the 2,996 lives that were lost during the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 including 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers.
A community event is being planned for the dedication ceremony of the memorial after completion of construction, and is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 11. The exact time is yet to be determined and will be held at the memorial located at SFD Fire Station 6 at 2675 State Route 179 near Chapel Road. For additional information, visit SedonaFD911Memorial.org.
