Anything For Our Youth to host first responders event
Anything For Our Youth Group Receives 9/11 Day Grant to Lead Youth Tribute Honoring Local First Responders
“Serve and Remember: 25 th Anniversary 9/11 Youth Tribute to First Responders” joins nationwide movement to make September 11 a Day of Doing Good.
Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program, administered by the nonprofit 9/11 Day in collaaboration with AmeriCorps. The grant supports community-led service projects commemorating the 25 th anniversary of September 11, 2001, while bringing people together through service, remembrance, and community action.
As part of this national movement, Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. will host “Serve and Remember: 25 th Anniversary 9/11 Youth Tribute to First Responders,” a special youth art exhibition honoring First Responders across Davidson County.
The exhibition will be held on:
Friday, September 11, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Arts Davidson County
202 N. Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292
The floating exhibition will showcase original artwork created by youth artists from across Davidson County, including visual, literary, and architectural arts. Through painting, drawing, sculpture, poetry, prose, and other creative expressions, young people will reflect on September 11, 2001, while expressing gratitude for the courage, sacrifice, service, and dedication of First Responders.
“Our youth have a powerful story to tell through their creativity,” said Tina Royal, Director of Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. “This exhibition gives them an opportunity to learn about the legacy of September 11, reflect on the spirit of service that followed, and personally say ‘thank you’ to the First Responders who continue to serve our communities. We want our young people to understand that remembrance is not just about looking back, it is also about honoring service and inspiring the next generation to serve others.”
Amanda Feliciano, Director of Arts Davidson County, said the organization is honored to provide a space where young artists can share their voices.
“Art has a unique ability to connect generations, tell stories, and create meaningful conversations,” said Feliciano. “We are honored to partner with Anything For Our Youth Group to provide a platform for Davidson County’s young artists to express their gratitude and create a lasting tribute to our First Responders. This exhibition reminds us that creativity can be a powerful form of service.”
Destiny West, Board Chairwoman of Arts Davidson County, emphasized the importance of giving young people an opportunity to participate in community remembrance.
“Twenty-five years later, we have a responsibility to make sure the stories of September 11 and the spirit of service that followed are not forgotten,” said West. “This exhibition allows our youth to become part of that history in their own way. Their artwork represents remembrance, gratitude, hope, and the continued strength of our community.”
First Responders and their leadership, officers, staff, agencies, families, community members, and the public are invited to attend the September 11 exhibition. Youth leaders will also present special First Responder gift bags as an expression of appreciation.
The event is hosted by Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. in partnership with Arts Davidson County, Inc., with support from AmeriCorps through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program.
About the 9/11 Day Grant Program and AmeriCorps
Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. is among a select group of organizations receiving funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program. Principal grant funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, in partnership with 9/11 Day and the Popeyes Foundation.
AmeriCorps supports initiatives that foster civic engagement and provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to strengthen communities through volunteer service.
About 9/11 Day
Founded in 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day led the successful effort to establish September 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year, millions of Americans observe the day through acts of service and good deeds in honor of those who perished, were injured or sickened; survivors; First Responders; and all who served in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
For more information about 9/11 Day, visit 911day.org
About Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc.
Anything For Our Youth Group, Inc. is a Davidson County nonprofit committed to creating opportunities that empower young people through arts, leadership, service, community engagement, and meaningful educational experiences. Through programs and partnerships, the organization works to help youth discover their creativity, develop leadership skills, and become active contributors to their communities.
