Pillsbury United Communities and Waite House want to thank all of the heroes who supported the fifty-two children, eight staff members and the driver of the school bus involved in the 35W bridge collapse.

We are thankful to the first responders and rescuers who rushed to the scene, to our staff who acted quickly and courageously to get those kids to safety, and to the many good Samaritans on the bridge that day – anonymous individuals who saw a bus full of school children and selflessly chose to help. Because of their actions, everyone on that bus made it out alive.

The outpouring of support since the bridge collapsed has been phenomenal. Within hours of the tragedy, we found ourselves inundated with coffee, sandwiches, pizzas, treats, flowers, and stuffed animals. Dozens of multi-lingual, pro bono grief counselors came to Waite House on the day after the accident, offering to help the traumatized children, families and staff. Hundreds of people sent kind and encouraging words; many have made monetary contributions to help pay for medical expenses and other costs associated with the accident. These gestures of support were sent from across town and across the country, from people who were intimately familiar with the work that we do and from people who knew nothing about us before last Wednesday night.

We appreciate the strong rapport that we have with the children and families involved in the bridge collapse, who have been patient and cooperative as we begin to sort out medical bills and insurance claims.

Finally, our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have lost a loved one in this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tony Wagner, President

Pillsbury United Communities