Leadership class to hold Sept. 11 memorial fund-raiser

By Sascha Bush
The Beach Reporter
September 8, 2007

Americans across the United States will somberly commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack next Tuesday. For many, the passing years haven't been long enough to soften the painful memories of that date; for others, the anniversary affords people the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the lives of those who were lost.

Taking a definitive first step toward developing a meaningful Sept. 11 memorial for Redondo Beach, the Leadership Redondo class of 2007 has partnered with Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in a monthlong fund-raising effort, the proceeds of which will go toward creating the memorial.

Project leader and city Police Capt. Tom Krafick spoke before the City Council at the Sept. 4 meeting to announce the details of the fund-raiser. Starting Tuesday, Sept. 11, through Wednesday, Oct. 10, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza will donate half the price of all “Messy Sundaes” purchased with a meal at its Torrance restaurant. This collaborative effort will hopefully yield a substantial sum that can be added to the few thousand dollars already collected by Leadership Redondo for the development of the city's Sept. 11 monument.

“We will need the support of the entire community to make this project a success,” stated Krafick. While Leadership Redondo is planning for future fund-raising events, both large and small, the monthlong event with Sammy's Woodfired Pizza represents a push in the right direction.

The 300-pound steel artifact recovered from the World Trade Center site had been moved from Fire Station One on South Broadway to City Hall, but it still awaits a permanent home.

The Leadership Redondo class is charged with selecting a site for the memorial that will be accessible to the public to touch, interact with or simply just reflect beside; no location has yet been determined.

“This piece of steel is a touchstone, a connection between the people of Redondo Beach with those lost on 9/11,” stated Krafick. “(The memorial will serve) as a landmark to those who lost friends and family in the attack.

”For more information about the memorial project or the fund-raising event, e-mail Krafick at lrb.tribute@gmail.com.