From the Green Family to our friends in Tucson, to the residents of Arizona, and to the kind people from all over America who sent us encouraging words in our darkest hour:
It has been more than three years since the tragic shootings of January 8th, 2011 rocked our family and the Tucson community. That day took a piece out of all of us. It changed the way we viewed the world, our community and the people around us - especially our loved ones. People still come up to us with kind words about Christina-Taylor and tell us that they hold their children a little closer and hug them a little tighter each night before they go to bed.
As part of the healing process and to keep our daughter’s spirit alive, we formed the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation. Christina’s story captured the imagination of many around the country - here was a beautiful nine year old girl mature beyond her years, looking forward to realizing her hopes and dreams that in the United States of America you could achieve anything you set your mind to, and boy did she have plans! She was involved in many things – Student Government, athletics (baseball), dance, art and charitable activities. She had the leadership qualities rare for a young girl and was compassionate toward those who were less fortunate, a quality that would one day allow her to become a powerful political leader if she so desired. She will have these opportunities but instead of fulfilling them here with us, she is now up in heaven where she can continue God’s work. Our hope is that she will be remembered here on earth and that others would be inspired by her deeds and her spirit.
We are proud to say the mission and work of the Christa-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation has been a success and has raised a lot of money that has been given to those charitable and educational programs in the community that closely matched our daughter’s interest’s – academics, athletics and the arts (the three A’s) -along with youth leadership programs. Through our tragedy we have learned the importance of keeping faith in God, our friends, our family and our community. It is through our faith we had the energy and motivation to get us through our grief and enabled us to focus our personal attention and efforts in positive ways through the work of the Foundation – work that embodied the passion, qualities and spirit of our daughter – for the benefit of the community. We know that there are no guarantees in this world but without all of you, Roxanna, Dallas and I would not have the same positive outlook on the world and about our community as we do today. Thank you all for your part in restoring our belief that the world is still a good place with good people in it. We face many challenges ahead but learned that we can get through anything if we give of ourselves.
In June of 2014 the CTGMF will be closing its doors for good. We have helped many on our journey and by doing so they have helped us. We are proud of what we have accomplished in Christina-Taylor’s memory but as our life’s journey continues, it is now time for us to take a step back to continue the healing process. The Green family would like to thank all those involved in the formation and the operation of the Foundation for their tireless work and dedication, especially our wonderful board members. The charitable projects the Foundation sponsored in Christina-Taylor’s name will be remembered for a long time and we hope the impact of those projects will continue to benefit and inspire people in our community. Thank you also to those who generously gave time and money to help children in Tucson and Southern Arizona realize their dreams. It is our hope that the Foundation inspires similar charitable foundations to carry the torch and help those in our community who are less fortunate. God bless you all, Roxanna, John and Dallas Green
