First responders answer the call when we have an emergency whether it be fire, medical or safety, they are on call 24 hours a day. We should feel an obligation to show our appreciation for these everyday unsung heroes. That is why 25 years ago I launched the September 11th First Responders Appreciation program after I saw first responders perish with the people they rushed to rescue during the September 11th attack on our nation. It made me appreciate their contributions.
Every year on September 11th I take catered food to police, firefighters and EMT’s in my community. I pray for their safety and thank them for their service. In 2023 I lobbied the state to recognize September 11th as First Responders Appreciation Day in Georgia. It passed unanimously. That year I also launched the Beyond the Call of Duty Awards recognizing first responders who go above and beyond what is required for their normal duties.
I need support for these reasons:
- To create a special tribute to financial donors who kept the program afloat for the past 25 years. We want a special event with awards presented.
- To offset the increasing costs of food prices in Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution grocery prices in Atlanta rose 4.7 percent opposed to 2.9 percent in the rest of the country. (June 5, 2026 Prices in grocery stores, restaurants rising faster in Atlanta than rest of USA)
- Tariffs and the Iran conflict have cause prices of trophies and awards to rise considerably over last year prices. We will have to pay more to purchase awards this year.
- We want to reach a wider group of first responders this year to expand our reach. J&V Cares, Inc. is an IRS recognized 501C3 charity. Your donation is tax deductible. www.jvcares.org