September 11, 2001. It is a date ingrained in the conscience of a country whose citizens were witness to the greatest act of terrorism in the history of the United States. It was an unspeakable tragedy that deeply affected us all, some on a more personal level as beloved friends, colleagues or family members became innocent, unknowing victims.

Our Vision

The vision of the TramutoPorter Foundation is to make the world more compassionate and kind. We do this by taking the time to deeply hear the stories of those in need and attuning our attention to the challenges one is facing by moving from empathy to action.

Our Values

Compassion
Connection
Collaboration
Creativity
Humanity

Donato Tramuto was planning to join his friends on United Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles, a weekly flight he made most Monday mornings as he departed from his Ogunquit, ME home for the healthcare company he helped create in California. He and his partner, Jeff Porter, had entertained their good friends, Ron Gamboa and Dan Brandhorst and their 3-year-old son, David, throughout the weekend. A toothache on Monday morning, September 1oth forced him to change his flight, however, their weekend guests boarded United Flight 175 .

Donato still recalls the overwhelming anguish he felt the moment he learned that his friends were on board the plane that had just hit the 2nd World Trade Tower in New York City. Referencing his book, Donato describes the experience as the worst ‘bulldozer moment’ he had ever endured in a lifetime that included a childhood disability and a series of personal tragedies. Weeks later and still unable to grasp the intense enormity of his friends’ deaths, Donato decided that he needed to create a living tribute in their memory. Something that would serve as a reminder that good remains prevalent in this world and that the smallest acts of kindness and charity should be recognized and honored.

A couple of months after 9/11, Donato created the TramutoPorter Foundation, based in his hometown of Ogunquit where his friends happily spent their last days. His good friend and mentor, Dr. Mary Jane England, then President of Regis College in Newton, MA, suggested that the foundation focus on awarding annual college scholarships to graduating seniors who have successfully overcome a difficult situation in their life. Much like Donato, who lost much of his hearing as a young boy and then experienced the unexpected deaths of several close family members, these students would be honored for their ability to overcome their ‘bulldozer moment’ with a determination to turn adversity into success.

For the past 21 years, the TramutoPorter Foundation has awarded grants to organizations throughout New England and in regions throughout the world, along with annual scholarships to high school graduates in Bangor, Ogunquit, and Wells. Historically and every five years, the TramutoPorter Foundation celebrates its grant and scholarship recipients at a spectacular Anniversary Gala, filled with music and great food, where hundreds of friends come together in support of the organization. The most recent celebration, the 20th TramutoPorter Foundation Anniversary Gala in 2021, took place in Ogunquit and was attended by more than 200 friends and sponsors of the Foundation. The next Gala is planned for 2026 and will honor the recipients of the annual Compassionate Leadership Of The Year Award.