Hello and welcome to my page.
This coming fall will mark the 20th anniversary of September 11th, a day that is and always will be difficult for me and my family. But in the 20 years since September 11, 2001, my relationship to that day has also been shaped by the truly amazing work that my Mom and so many others have done, fundraising for Beyond the 11th, to directly support vulnerable widows in Afghanistan.
Beyond the Bike, a 3-day 260-mile bike ride from Ground Zero in NYC to Boston, is the signature fundraising event of Beyond the 11th.
In 2021, the ride will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, when my father was killed on the first plane to hit the World Trade Center. We will ride in honor of all the victims and rescuers who lost their lives that day and in celebration of the countless acts of courage and humanity that have marked the two decades since.
We will also be riding to benfit Beyond the 11th, raising funds that will directly support widows in Afghanistan—a population that remains deeply disenfranchised.
The case for championing women’s rights in Afghanistan cannot be overstated. According to a Time magazine from 2018, Afghanistan still ranks as the worst place in the world to be a woman. After decades of war, terrorism, and insurgency, women and children still suffer disproportionately.
While the needs are enormous, the programs that Beyond the 11th invests in are working. Since 2003, Beyond the 11th has made over $1,000,000 in grants that directly assist Afghan widows in developing sustainable livelihoods.
To highlight one program in particular—Beyond the 11th has partnered with CARE international to establish community-based savings groups (CBSGs) that allow members to access loan capital while also providing training in business planning, group management, market linkages, livestock production, and literacy/numeracy.
Today, Beyond the 11th continues to support 50 CBSGs with a combined 1,105 members. Their businesses include livestock rearing, embroidering, tailoring, food processing and carpet weaving.
I would be honored and grateful if you would support me with a donation. Your contribution will allow Beyond the 11th to continue providing direct assistance to widows in Afghanistan—a cause that is as important now as it was in 2001.
Your contribution will go far… and will make every mile all the more meaningful.
Thank you.
Benjamin