WDC honors victim of Sandy Hook tragedy on anniversary
WDC is proud to help honor one of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy through our work and would like to share what their family shared with us regarding the upcoming anniversary of their loss. The families of those lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting express their gratitude for the global outpouring of support they have received in the past year and ask for privacy this weekend. They ask specifically that “On the one year mark of that horrific day, we know that many people across the country will be thinking of the children and educators so tragically taken from us, and wondering how to help. We ask that you consider performing an act of kindness or volunteering with a charitable organization in your local community. In this way, we hope that some small measure of good may be returned to the world.”
If you choose to honor those lost in this tragedy with a charitable gift please support one of the charities that all 26 families affected by the tragedy embrace The Sandy Ground Project: Where Angels Play or contribute to The Jessica Rekos Foundation. You can also visit the website designed by the families to serve as a singular place of sharing, communication, and contact with the families of those who lost their lives that day: My Sandy Hook Family.
This ‘species guide’ is very special to WDC. The whales were drawn by Jessica Rekos as part of her own whale research project. Jessica was a beautiful 6 year-old whose life was taken on December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.
Jessica devoted a lot of time to “researching” whales and learning as much as she could about them. Shortly after their devastating loss, her family and friends began a quest to honor the amazing girl they lost too soon. WDC is lucky to be one of the organizations they chose to partner with to honor Jessica’s life. In 2013, their support allowed ten interns the opportunity to gain experience in the renowned living laboratory here at WDC. We are honored to help her spirit live on through her passion for whales.
By all accounts, anyone who knew Jessica during her young life was blessed to share time with her. Here at WDC, we’re saddened by the fact that tragedy brought her into our lives. None the less, we’ve been touched by an angel and motivated by her family’s perseverance, spirit, and amazing fortitude. Having the honor to pay tribute to Jessica drives everyone at WDC to do more, care more, and make every opportunity count – both personally and professionally.
Many thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the Rekos Family for sharing this image with WDC and for the honor of being part of Jessica’s legacy through our work. Everyone at WDC will be paying tribute to Jessica and her extraordinary family this week and always.