OGUNQUIT, Maine — Sept. 11, 2001 is a date imbedded in the memories of all Americans; for Donato Tramuto, who lost three friends on that day, the horror of 9/11 was the impetus to convert his grief into action by creating the Tramuto Foundation in their memory.

On Sept. 11, 2021, the Ogunquit-based Tramuto Foundation will celebrate 20 years of providing financial assistance to hundreds of organizations and individuals around the globe whose shared mission is to create a more compassionate, fair and just world.

Journalist Katie Couric speaks onstage during a special screening of National Geographic’s Oscar-Nominated documentary “The Cave” with film subject Dr. Amani Ballour at AMC Lincoln Square Theater, in New York. Image Credit: Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images For National Geogra

Joining Tramuto and his guests at the Cliff House Resort, will be renowned journalist and event emcee Katie Couric, actors and activists Matt McCoy and Charles Shaughnessy, former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. The evening will conclude with a special virtual performance by American Country Music star Levi Hummon.

Levi Hummon, American country musician. | Image Credit: Alex Berger

“I am deeply honored that these accomplished human rights activists will be in Ogunquit to help us celebrate organizations that work each day to make this a better world for all,” Tramuto said. “I am truly grateful to have friends who understand that we cannot be content to sit back while others are in need; we can’t turn our backs when all someone needs is a helping hand. These are people who define the words compassionate leadership.”

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has named Donato Tramuto, an author, social justice activist, corporate leader and philanthropist, as the college’s first Honorary Scholar-in-Residence.

The event will showcase the work of nine honored organizations that have received more than $1 million in Tramuto Foundation grants. Each organization will also share in the proceeds raised at the 20th Anniversary Gala that will also highlight more than 50 past recipients of the Tramuto Foundation’s annual college scholarship.

Download the Gala invitation here

Read the full, original post at Seacoast Online