Families of first responders who died in the line of duty have expressed their profound gratitude to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for a $2 million donation to Answer the Call NYC, a nonprofit organization that supports the relatives of fallen police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel.
The donation was part of a larger $26 million commitment made by the couple to at least 20 charities prior to their wedding on July 3. Answer the Call NYC, based in New York City, shared a series of notes from these families on its Instagram page on July 20.
"Taylor and Travis, thank you for your incredible generosity and for standing with the families of fallen New York City first responders. Your gift will make a tangible difference in their lives," the organization stated in its announcement. The organization's executive director, Lauren Profeta, also expressed gratitude, noting that the donation "will ensure that we can continue to provide much-needed financial assistance to the families of New York City's fallen first responders."
Among those sharing their thanks was Allison Garger, whose husband, FDNY firefighter Thomas J. Kennedy, died on September 11, 2001. Garger recounted a personal moment at a Swift concert where the singer touched her son Michael's hand, an experience that has inspired him. "We are forever grateful! Heart-shaped hands forever!" Garger wrote.
Mary Farino, wife of FDNY Battalion Chief Thomas Farino, who also died on 9/11, stated, "I cannot express how much your donation means!" She noted that the upcoming anniversary of 9/11 would be difficult for her family and that her children were young when their father was killed. Farino added that her daughter found solace in Swift's music during college, and her son is a fan of Travis Kelce, making the honor particularly special.
Patricia Polimeni, whose husband, NYPD detective Jack Polimeni, died in April 2020, described the donation as "so much more than a financial gift." She stated it provides "hope, comfort and sense of community for families who are learning to navigate life after the loss of someone who dedicated their life to serving others."
Many of the first responder families who expressed gratitude lost loved ones during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Swift and Kelce's $26 million donation extended to various other charitable causes. These included nine food banks, three children's hospitals, and seven educational programs across the United States. Among the recipients were City Harvest, Food Bank For NYC, and The Store in Nashville, which provides food assistance. Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City also received support.
Representatives for the couple confirmed the total donation amount and the broad range of supported charities, highlighting their commitment to diverse causes. The Store's Instagram page shared its appreciation, noting the gift would help families access healthy food with dignity and choice.
City Harvest CEO Jilly Stephens stated that Swift and Kelce's donation to her organization was "a love letter to New York, and a bold commitment to our efforts to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry," especially at a time when visits to food pantries are near record highs.