In 2003, Jeff Parness, inspired by the events of 9/11, decided to travel to San Diego by car and give back. Families affected by the wildfires in California were greeted by Parness' compassion in the form of goods and toys.

This desire to serve and help others across the country is a response to the outpouring of support the country gave to New York City on 9/11. A native New Yorker, Parness was moved by the generous aid and decided to pay forward the 9/11 spirit of volunteerism. Parness founded The New York Says Thank You Foundation and hasn’t looked back since.

Filmmakers chronicled the foundation’s five-year journey as it made rounds from one community to the next, many of which were struck by natural or manmade disasters. “New York Says Thank You tells the moving story of how a small community of volunteers eventually grew into a nationwide movement of service,” said Jeffrey Stewart, an executive producer. The film, which is timed to be released in September 2011, will be featured as a “Spotlight Selection” at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival beginning on April 20. See the trailer above.

9/11 Memorial Staff