Bill Ackman, ‘the healing begins.’

Hello Bill,


Thank you again for your generosity.  Paul has been really kind and generous with his time, as well.  I thank you both.  


I have asked Paul for a sit down seeing I have the majority of the questions at hand, and I could really use some further direction.  Once again, there is nothing I am to gain aside from doing what's right.  I was speaking to one of the Newtown mom's and Rebecca, who lost her son Chase, broke down while talking to me on the phone.  She said, she's just a stay at home mom, who hadn't gone to college, and what could she possibly do??  I told her whatever you can and that I'd pick up the slack, or figure it out as we went along- seeing I am very much like these people.  

Evil and violence had haunted me as a kid and as a result, it taught me empathy.  But, I do understand my limitations.  Honestly, last year I was set to go to Loyola to get a masters in Non Profit Law, but my dad fell ill and I chose to take care of my dad/family instead.  I'd hoped to have learned all that I needed, but I had not.  Also, it's left me quite shaken still.  So, I'd rather maintain you as a mentor/advisor throughout.  I only hope it's not too much of a burden to you at Pershing Square.  

My efforts or rather 'my hand at' philanthropy comes from personal experience.  Simply put, it's my need/wanting to spare others from experiencing situations as I have.  The cause alone is bad, but what we do in the aftermath is what I'm most afraid.  Through acts of violence/trauma people change and lives are destroyed.  We cannot stop 'bad' things from happening, but we can limit its effects.  I've lived, and survived this- most fail.  As a result of personal experience we've burried a big sister and and a baby brother.   

In a sense, I'm all heart and (on the business side) learning as I go.  I'd very much like my life to have meant something and I honestly believe that my entire life until now has led me to these moments- from a random invitation to a birthday party thrown by one of the most important men in NY to having been able to expedite what I've learned in my own philanthropy to assist in the recovery for what may just be the most horrific act inn history.  Yes, there was 911, and yes I lost a spouse on the flight that took down the second tower, but Sandy Hook- this attack against our children is our worst moment thus far.
  
As you know, December 21, I headed to Newtown, CT. with the intention of building a children's center.  

I presented the idea to Chris Kelsey- a Newton official and was asked what "I wanted to do?"  I said I was there to assist Newtown and what would Newtown like to do?  I also stated that I would like one of the family's to step forward to make 'those' decisions.... the Kowalski's came forward.  and now we begin..




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Parents of Slain Sandy Hook Child Start Fund in His Honor | NBC ...


www.nbcnewyork.com › news › local
I'd like to believe we both had a hand in this.  Well, we had.  I went down with this very agenda and you gave me the courage to stay the 3+ weeks.  So, my friend- we did good so far.  But it's now just the beginning- Imagine what you all did with the NY Highline.   We can start with Newtown/ Sandy Hook, and I can then go on to build centers- safe places for kids- the possibilities are endless.  I've built a whole platform on educating our kids for life in today's world.  What better way to ensure knowledge than providing it in their homes, their schools, and now rec centers??  Today's modern day Y.   


I cannot ask anything of anyone without first offering my support.  With your Pershing Square Foundation, if I can assist in any way for whatever form, please do not hesitate.  I know you're a great man and all, and that you sit on many boards- honestly I know you from the night at your house and the extraordinary pledge of you and your wife's to help.  That said, we are both of the same heart and I could really use a compadre in all this- I need your help a little bit more.    And I know this is why you hired Paul.  Honestly I appreciate time constraints and can only imagine what your days/weeks look.  I do hope you have room for another friend/buddy who shares the same passion.  I'll also admit, that I am JUST looking for time and advice, not one dime.  I'm the guy who'd live on the street rather than to ask a handout- and I had.  'luckily I had a really good car...  


Honestly, Bill.  You cannot find a better, selfless man. I'm only asking for time, because it has nothing to do for me.  


I have an e-mail out to Paul and am hoping to sit down with him as well.  


Best to you,
John