Bill Ackman from Sandy Hook.

Hello Bill, 

I appreciate the work YOU do.  
​
Thank you!  I'm still here in Sandy Hook feeling hopeless- as the make-shift memorials were just taken down.  So the healing begins...


Although, I came out Friday 12/21 to attend the Friday night - vigil, I decided to stick around and help out as needed.  I first met with a fireman who just broke down before me.  It was just after the funeral of one of the boys who dreamt of being a fireman.   'Tom' stayed strong throughout the funeral and just fell-apart.  The town is in all sense of the word, broken.   So, if Ann Curry could suggest 26Acts of kindness, I could do 26 days.  Upon my time here, I met up with several top Newtown officials- Pat Llodra via Bob Merola and Chris Kelsey.  Chris and I spoke of my interest in facilitating the building of a children's center.   We came up with a plan to rehab the grounds of the vigil, and yes, I'm taking a lead as the town is so overwhelmed.  Still, I am an outsider, but am here to be of service.


I know all to well trauma, and PTSD.  I had a significant other on the flight out of Boston- UA Flight 175, that took down the 2nd tower on 911.   It took me a long time to heal, and can now hold out a hand to anyone here who needs it- the town memorial for one.   Every night between 2am and 6am the memorial is taken apart.  The flowers, stuffed animals, keep-sakes and such...  all the broken glass gets cleaned up, the withered flowers removed, and the burnt out candles removed.  It's a surreal effort and its indeed a privilege...  The mindset is a somber one...  There's been so much damage done and the hundreds/thousands of visitors each day need to have things look as calming as possible.  

And I you, Bill.  I very much appreciate all the work your foundation does, and foresee all the lives you will change as a result.  Bless, you and your wife. Karen- you both inspire me.  The humanity you show at the Pershing Square Foundation is what I dream.  I am forever grateful for you even taking the time. This simple act of kindness has had a ripple effect and its touched thousands...   


Forgive my delay in responding, but Ive been assisting for 18+ hour shifts...  I had already responded to Paul and will look forward to our meeting after the holiday.


I cannot pledge what you have to charity, but to coincide with Ann Curry's 26Acts, I've proposed 26Days, and to start pledged my car, and my Rolex.  What better way than to do what you hope from others, right?  Put a little skin in the game....  


All the best and thank you,
John


For the record, I'm camped out here in Sandy Hook- day 9...  I'm forgoing my holidays- away from my 31/2 y/o and my second -6months..(we're expecting Rowan- a girl in July) To foolishly one-up Ann Curry and do 26 days of good acts!  And prove my commitment and integrity.  


Sent from my iPhone


On Dec 20, 2012, at 7:16 PM, "William A. Ackman" <ackman@persq.com> wrote:


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John,
 
I have copied Paul Bernstein who runs the Pershing Square Foundation.  I encourage you to follow up with him. 
 
I appreciate the work you are doing.
 
Bill
 
_____________________________________
William A. Ackman
Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P.
888 Seventh Avenue, 42nd Floor
New York, NY 10019
(212) 813-3700
 
 
Please note that this email is subject to the document retention and compliance policies of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., an SEC registered Investment Advisor. This email is available to, among others, my trusted assistant Joelle Dellis who can be reached directly at 212-813-3700 and at dellis@persq.com
 
From: Joelle Dellis
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 3:29 PM
To: William A. Ackman
Subject: FW: The Lost Kids of Newtown, CT
 
 
 
From: JohnMRinaldi [mailto:johnmrinaldi@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 3:29 PM
To: Joelle Dellis
Subject: Fwd: The Lost Kids of Newtown, CT
 
Hello Bill, 
 
First of all, while attending the birthday party at your house over the summer, I had no idea who the man serving me the well grilled steak was.
 
Upon learning, I foolishly kept the thank you note to myself, as I was told it wasn't acceptable.  In case you don't remember me, I'm the guy who came with Michael Braverman invited by Josephine to celebrate her husband's birthday.  I drove the black Audi.  And glibly joked with your wife of my needing my english to japanese translation ap on my phone just to use your toilet!  So, a belated thank you.
 
I'm "bothering" you not as someone with their hand out, as I've never asked anyone for a dime, but as another guy who has small children that look to them for proper care!  Incidentally, I'm forgoing my Christmas to head up to Newtown to bring some toys, lend a hand or anything else I can think of-  even if its just to lay a wreathe in remembrance. 
 
Bill, you asked me what I do, and I embarrassingly declared I was a banker by trade who now runs a non profit.  Look who I was saying that too!  I humbly try to help kids, and have dedicated my entire being to doing just that.  
 
As I said, I'm going to Newtown tomorrow, is there anything I can do for you while I'm there?  
 
Through my foundation, I hope to build a center much like the Children's center in Ireland after their children's shooting and hold an event. While I'm in Newtown, I'm hoping to also figure out a way that I can ensure these kids will not have died in vein.  I also ask for any assistance because I do realize how foolish I may appear- I'm just one guy.  But this guy has the heart of 50,000.
 
I'll close with saying that it was a great, great honor to have spent the evening with you, and your family at your home.  My entire being I believe had prepped me just to have made your acquaintance.  If we were to have never met again, or I had the honor to someday work beside/with you in non profit...  the gratitude would forever remain the same.  That evening, someone like you serving me my dinner  has forever reminded me that I matter and one person can make the world better.  
 
Michael will kill me for reaching out, but as our nation mourns over the children senselessly lost, and having children of our own of similar age, how can we not try to help??  It remains about those lost and not about us.
 
I've spent the morning with Do Something, and forwarded the letter I had sent. It clearly states my intention and what I'm taking on.
 
Best,
John M. Rinaldi




Sent from my iPhone


Begin forwarded message:
From: "John M. Rinaldi" <johnmrinaldi@gmail.com>
Date: December 20, 2012, 12:22:48 PM EST
To: Katie@DoSomething.org
Cc: JohnMRinaldi@gmail
Subject: The Lost Kids of Newtown, CT
<20 December.docx>