Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have received heartfelt messages from the families of first responders killed in the line of duty, following their $2 million donation to Answer the Call NYC. The organization, based in New York, provides financial assistance to police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel.
Patricia Polimeni, wife of fallen NYPD detective Jack Polimeni who died in 2020, shared her gratitude, stating, “Your donation is so much more than a financial gift. 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.” She added that she knows firsthand how much the organization's support means to families like hers.
Amanda Rivera, daughter of NYPD officer William Rivera who died in 2004, echoed this sentiment. "We found a community where people knew what the other has been through and made friends who eventually became family," Rivera wrote. "The organization has given me so many opportunities and experiences that I never thought I would experience — like throwing out the first pitch at a New York Mets game, attending concerts and much more."
Allison Garger, whose husband Thomas J. Kennedy died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, also expressed her appreciation. "Taylor and Travis, this is amazing what you are doing," Garger wrote. "We have been fans of yours forever! … We are forever grateful!"
Lauren Profeta, executive director of Answer the Call NYC, stated, “We are extremely grateful to Taylor and Travis for their incredible support. Their extraordinary donation will ensure that we can continue to provide much-needed financial assistance to the families of New York City’s fallen first responders. We thank them for their kindness, their generosity and for their fulfillment to our collective promise to Never Forget.”
Swift and Kelce reportedly donated an estimated $26 million to various charities across the U.S. ahead of their wedding earlier this month. These donations included contributions to New York City-based organizations such as Education Through Music, Answer the Call, Musical Mentors Collaborative, City Harvest Food Rescue Center, Food Bank for NYC, and New York Cares. The couple married on July 3 at Madison Square Garden.