We would like to publicly thank all the people who helped make the events of September 10 and 11, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11, such a success.
On Saturday, September 10, the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Run/Walk was held at Urbana University and through the city of Urbana with over 200 participants and many volunteers.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, the Community Day of Remembrance was held at Urbana University with over 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 the need for atonement. The World House Choir gave an uplifting performance about our common humanity. President George Lucas, Betsy Coffman and City of Urbana Mayor Bill Bean warmly welcomed everyone. Mayor Bean announced the signing of a resolution that designated the City of Urbana an International City of Peace. Through the efforts of the city, the university and the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund, Urbana becomes only the 140th city internationally to become a City of Peace.
We give a special thanks to our 2016 corporate sponsors and to our host Urbana University, and the Alicia Titus Memorial peace team coordinated by Tammy Leiker. And, we give thanks to the many other generous donors who helped us raise nearly $11,000 for the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund this year. Your generosity helps us to offer programs and events that promote a culture of peace and social justice to honor all who died on Sept. 11, 2001 and since then, including our daughter Alicia.
We especially want to thank the City of Urbana, the Urbana City Police Division, the Urbana City Fire Division, and the Boy Scouts of America for all of their support and for 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, for the food that was given, the water along the course and the printing of materials to support our events. We could not do this without each and everyone of you! We feel blessed to be a part of such a giving community.
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 at Urbana University 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; together we create a culture of peace, one act of kindness at a time!
