Never Forget Tribute Classic Raises Scholarship Funds for Children of 9/11 Victims

This view over a basketball court shows players taking part in the first-ever Never Forget Tribute Classic at Prudential Center in Newark. The name of the event is featured on a large decal at the center of the court.
The first-ever Never Forget Tribute Classic on Dec. 10 raised scholarship funds for the children of victims of the 9/11 attacks. Photo courtesy of Prudential Center.

In partnership with the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, the inaugural Never Forget Tribute Classic on Dec. 10 raised scholarship funds for the children of victims of the 9/11 attacks. The NCAA men’s basketball doubleheader between Villanova, the defending national champions who are No. 1 in the country, and Notre Dame and Pitt against Penn State was played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as reported by CBS Sports.

On Nov. 20, three weeks ahead of the game, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Basketball Team visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The visit was “a very emotional experience but an important one in terms of understanding what happened,” as reported by CBS New York.

“We’re honored to be a part of the inaugural 2016 Never Forget Tribute Classic. To participate in an event that raises scholarship funds for the victims of the September 11 attacks means so much to our program and University,” said Villanova head coach Jay Wright.

The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund was established shortly after Sept. 11, 2001 and “provides education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of the people killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks.” According to their website, the organization has provided millions of dollars in scholarship support and plans to continue offering education assistance through 2030.

The game aired on CBS Sports on Saturday with the Villanova Wildcats and Pittsburgh Panthers emerging victorious.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Previous Post

Honoring Madeline Amy Sweeney, Flight Attendant Who Kept Her Calm

A white rose has been placed at the name of Madeline Amy Sweeney in honor of her birthday. An inset photo shows Sweeney smiling.

Madeline Amy Sweeney found her calling as a flight attendant a year after graduating from college. The Long Island native drove from Boston to California to start a career in fashion, and after a year, decided to instead become a flight attendant in Dallas.

View Blog Post

Next Post

Anonymous Donor Pays It Forward at 9/11 Museum

A person’s hands hold up three 9/11 Memorial & Museum bracelets—one of them black, one blue, and one white.

In the spirit of giving for the holiday season, a recent visitor to the 9/11 Memorial Museum made a generous donation of $500 to the non-profit.

View Blog Post