The terrorist attacks on Sept.11 claimed innocent lives, innocence itself and the sense of security we somehow had taken for granted.
In this week’s lead story, SHOOT’s staff examines the impact on our industry. And also on page one, we pay tribute to William Weems, a veteran producer who was on United Airlines flight 175, which terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center.
But no matter how many stories we write now, with follow-ups in the weeks to come, words fall short of expressing the profound sorrow, anger and grief over the tragedy that has gripped this country and the entire world.
So consider not so much the words that are in this column—but rather the words that aren’t yet in it—as our way of trying to help the situation.
We’re leaving a portion of this column blank. On one level, the white space represents a moment of silence to honor the dead and to offer the entire SHOOT staff’s heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and friends. On another level, it’s a challenge—to you, our readers. We want you to fill in the blanks with ways our industry can rally to the cause and help to ease the pain and suffering.
At press time, several industry groups were in the process of doing just that—organizing fundraisers and other programs that could be of assistance. SHOOT will report on those in the weeks ahead. And each of those efforts will help fill the white space of this column.
As a prelude to those entries, we offer some phone numbers and e-mail addresses:
•The American Red Cross is seeking blood donations. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment at a venue near you. For money or food donations to the American Red Cross: 1-800-801-8092.
•Visit the New York Blood Center’s Web site, www. nybloodcentger.org, for information on how to help.
•Helping.org is another Web site providing suggested ways to get involved and help those in need.
•The Salvation Army hotline is 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
•The United Way of New York and the New York Community Trust have established The September 11th Fund to help the victims of the attacks—and their families. See SHOOT’s page one house ad for contact info.
•The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund is at (212) 227-3700.
The remaining blank space is for you and yours to fill in with other ways to help out. …
God Bless America.
