New York Says Thank You – Pays it Forward in Gilmer County for Build an Ark Animal Rescue

New Yorkers honor America’s generosity after 9/11 by helping Georgia tornado survivors rebuild. Excitement builds in Gilmer County as the New York Says Thank You – Build an Ark project plan comes together.

Jeff Parness, Founder, NewYorkSaysThankYou.Org says 25 Fire Department of New York firefighters will join disaster survivors from all across America to “pay it forward” in Ellijay, Georgia July 28-31, 2011.

Parness is planning to be in Ellijay, Georgia, that was hit by a tornado in April of this year. NYSTY and hundreds of volunteers plan to rebuild a barn that housed Build An Ark Animal Rescue.
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of September 11th and Parness feels Ellijay is the perfect place to commemorate the American spirit we all came to know on that day.

The week-end is dedicated to 1Lt. Noah Harris, www.simply-American.com. Local Service Heroes will Honor Noah Harris by Stitching The National 9/11 Flag on Saturday July 30
In addition to the barn-raising and volunteer rebuilding weekend, local service heroes from the
community will be invited to place ceremonial stitches in The National 9/11 Flag, a 30-foot American
flag destroyed in the aftermath of the collapse of The World Trade Center. This ceremony will honor
Noah Harris, a graduate of Ellijay High School who died while serving his country in Iraq. Once fully
restored by this year’s 10th year Anniversary of 9/11, The National 9/11 Flag will become part of the
permanent collection of The National 9/11 Memorial Museum being built at the World Trade Center site
in Lower Manhattan. More information about this flag can be found at www.National911Flag.org

(permission granted by CNN)

“We always look for special projects that could benefit a community,” Parness said. “This lovely woman, Susan Littlejohn, lived in the barn with 65 animals that she used as therapeutic companions for disabled children and senior citizens. We couldn’t think of a better place to do this year.”

The New York Says Thank You Foundation will bring 250-300 volunteers from New York City and from across the United States to help rebuild a 10,000 square foot barn destroyed on April 4, 2011 when tornadoes ripped through Ellijay. This huge volunteer effort begins July 28th through July 31, 2011. Donations are being accepted onsite or you may also send a check payable to Build An Ark Animal Rescue, to the United Community Bank, Build An Ark Account, 558 Industrial Blvd., Ellijay, GA 30540.

Please come help us rebuild during this community event! Special Thanks go out to some pretty special Local Sponsors (in no particular order): ETC, United Community Bank, North Georgia Medical Center, Appalachian Supply Co., Shanes BBQ, Kroger, Lowes, 28 Main, Ingles, Aaron’s, Amicalola EMC, Food Lion, Appalachian Country Magazine, Artistic Tile by Randy Bell, Bojangles, One Source Business Products, Wal-mart, Chick-fil-A, El Reys, Pourhouse, First Baptist Church, First Methodist Church, GAHA, Hall’s Tree Service, IDWIC, Rick & Lucy Harris, Kevin Panter Insurance, Craves, Lester Bldg, Lions Club, Tractor Supply, Gilmer County Commissioners, Gilmer County High School, American Paper, TOWS, Action Towing, Ellijay Animal Clinic, Gilmer Chamber of Commerce, Peachtree Rides, Airport Grocery, Isaiah House, Noah’s Wish, My Brother’s Keeper, and many more that are making this all come together. A complete sponsor list will be posted soon.

Anyone interested in becoming involved please email: Lisa@fetchyournews.com

Also be sure to tune in Friday morning at 9am North Georgia NOW Today with Cherie Martin on ETC tv3 or online at www.ETCtv3.com to hear more about this amazing project!