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GOOD PEOPLE DOING GOOD THINGS
When the movie World Trade Center came out at the beginning of the month, many felt that it was too early for a fictional money-making movie about the tragedy of 9/11, even if the storyline is, in theory, taken from real life experiences of people who were in New York City on that dreadful day. Criticisms overshadowed any excitement for the movie, even with a star like Nicolas Cage in the cast. But the World Trade Center team has done something to alleviate the criticisms, and bring some positive light on the picture. [AP]
THE DONATION
The producers of “World Trade Center” are donating $1.3 million to the 9/11 memorial, keeping a promise to give 5 percent of the film’s opening weekend box office receipts to help build it. Another $1.3 million from the weekend’s proceeds will be equally split among three September 11-related charities.
WHAT IT HELPS WITH
The 9/11 memorial is set to open in 2009, and the total estimated cost is set at more than $650 million. The producers’ donation raises the private money available to build the memorial to $132.3 million, and the foundation is expected to raise up to $300 million in total private donations. The remaining costs will be covered by the Port Authority and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp.
OTHER CHARITIES
The other charities to split donations from the Oliver Stone film are:
- Tuesday’s Children — a services organization for children who lost parents on Sept. 11,
- The Tribute WTC Visitor Center — created by a Sept. 11 family group and set to open next week, and
- The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
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