Grieving families are reflecting on the fallout from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's massive $2 million donation during the week of their wedding.
Ahead of their July 3 wedding at New York City's Madison Square Garden, Swift and Kelce donated a combined $26 million to charities across the United States, including a 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 officers 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 donating $2 million to the fund and included letters of gratitude from nine of its recipients, adding, “many of the families we serve wanted to share their gratitude in their own words.”
Valerie Perry, 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 annual checks, but they have also made me smile because I feel like they will always remember my Bill, even after all these years,” he explained.
She continued by writing to Swift and Kelce: “Now to read about your donation? I am crying for such a gift to all these families who have been through so much.
“Prayers for your future together, and may God bless you both for your generosity and kindness in doing something so wonderful.
Other recipients highlighted the fact that Swift, 36, previously performed at America's Camp, a summer camp created for children who lost loved ones in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“My children have been devoted Taylor fans since they saw them perform at America's Camp in 2003,” said Theresa Giammona, wife of FDNY Capt. Vincent Giammona, who was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. “What always meant the most to us is that they never forgot the families of America's Camp.”
She continued: “Thank you for answering the call, for your generosity and, above all, for never forgetting the families you have continued to raise over the years.”
Answer The Call also thanked the newlyweds.
“Taylor and Travis, thank you for your incredible generosity and for supporting the families of fallen New York City first responders,” the organization said on Instagram. “Your donation will make a tangible difference in their lives.”
