9/11 survivor recalls attacks at community service event
A Westchester woman shared her haunting memories of 9/11 at a community service event that was held in White Plains on Thursday.
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A Westchester woman shared her haunting memories of 9/11 at a community service event that was held in White Plains on Thursday.
Tara Fappiano, of Tuckahoe, said she remembers the Sept. 11 attacks very vividly.
"I was an attorney who was working for a law firm that was located on the 85th floor of One World Trade Center," Fappiano said. "I lost some coworkers that day. I witnessed some things that I will never forget."
Fappiano bravely shared her story of survival at a 9/11 community service event that was held at the Westchester County Center.
"This is the third year I'm doing it. [It's] a little tricky, but I'm happy to do it. I think it's very important that today is really about the people and those who responded that day as heroes," Fappiano said.
The event was organized by a group called Volunteer New York.
Executive director Polly Lagana said it was the 15th year that they've held the event.
"Service is a way for our community to come together in remembrance but also make bold impact and positive change," Lagana said. "You're seeing members of our community, who represent all different sectors and industries, and they are all working together."
Employees from Mastercard made kits for kids, while another group made blankets for people in need.
Volunteer Kaleigh Silverstein wasn't alive when the attacks happened, but said the event helped her connect to the unity that was shown on that tragic day, 24 years ago.
"It's the community aspect that, I bet, is what helped everyone regroup and rise from that tragedy. It's really nice to be a part of someone doing the exact same thing," Silverstein said.
All of the hard work made Fappiano very proud of her community.
"This to me is essential. I think it's important for people to pause and recognize the impact that this had, not just on our world, but on all of those people who were affected and their families for today," Fappiano said.
