An Understanding Of The Purposes Of The Mark Hindy Charitable Foundation
This 501(c)(3) Foundation was established late in 2001 to honor the life of Mark Hindy who worked on the 104th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center as an Equities Trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. He, along with the entire group of Cantor employees in the office that morning (658) died in the most horrific attack in our Nation’s history. At the age of 28, there should have been so much more life and accomplishment ahead of him, so we created the Mark Hindy Charitable Foundation to honor his life and to keep his memory alive by assisting children to develop their potential and become successful adults.
The Mission of this Foundation is to make a difference in the lives of children by:
- Helping to provide, through scholarship, the opportunity for a higher standard of education for deserving children who might otherwise be denied that opportunity
- Helping to fund sports/summer programs for children that will foster a sense of teamwork and provide them with a healthy channel for their energies
- Helping to improve the quality of life of chronically ill children as they undergo treatment for their illnesses and disabilities
The following quote (author unknown) perfectly describes our reasons for establishing and the ultimate goal of this Foundation.
“We are given our lives, our fear, our broken bones and broken hearts. Breaks create openings that were not there before. In that space grow the seeds for new creation. At the dark center of suffering lies the luminance of blessing.”
It is the aim of this Foundation to allow the light to shine from the dark center of our suffering and we’re not going to be satisfied until that light is shining as brightly as Mark’s brilliant smile.
A SHORT REFLECTION OF THE LIFE OF MARK HINDY
JULY 20, 1973 — SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
The Mark Hindy Charitable Foundation was created to honor the life of Mark Hindy. His life although short was one which touched so many people young and old with a joy and happiness. His laugh was infectious! He loved….life…his family immediate and extended….his precious niece OLIVIA…his friends in New York and in the south, childhood, college and business. All who knew him suggested he was bigger than life itself.
However, in this giant young man (he was 6’4” in stature) he was kind and gentle with a love of children that belied his size. Whether the children were family members or friends or even stranger’s children, Mark had an affinity and caring for them that was genuine and unique.
Mark was a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend and all gathered on September 24, 2001 to honor him and celebrate his life. He was not a saint although if you measure sainthood by gentleness, consideration, caring, softness and loyalty, he would qualify.
Mark loved kids – he was a big kid himself. He had that infectious laugh which brought a smile to your face whenever you heard it and he was always smiling. He had no ill will to anyone.
Mark loved his family and his friends both near and far. His college friends have told us that he was the “glue” that kept them together. Others have simply said that he was the “Best”. As his family we can certainly agree. But Mark transcends all these clichés and can be described as a genuine loving human being, a really gentle man. Some one told his Mom and Dad that Mark is the son every mother would love to have!
His friends and family wrote so many letters and notes. They all sum up the essence of Mark — the special friend and true gentleman. They remember his wide eyes and even wider smile and how his whole face lit up whenever he talked about his precious Olivia. They mention his kind gentle nature and warm sense of humor that will be with them always.
As reluctantly as possible and with a sorrowful and empty heart the memorial service concluded and all bid Mark farewell and Godspeed – His memory will be eternal.
So in keeping with the celebratory theme of the memorial service, the formation of The Mark Hindy Charitable Foundation, which will support child related issues was announced. Out of all this evil in this tragedy, the hope is some good will be generated. That would be so typical of Mark.
