08/03/2026
On September 11th, 2001, as the world watched horror unfold in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania, an unlikely scene of resilience and kindness quietly emerged in a small Newfoundland town. Nearly 6,600 airline passengers were diverted to the tiny town of Gander due to U.S. airspace closures. And among them was Shirley Brooks-Jones, whose legacy of gratitude and action would resonate for a generation to come.
Shirley was determined to repay the town’s generosity without offending the dignity of its residents. So she spearheaded the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund as soon as her feet touched U.S. soil.
The pledges were collected from her fellow passengers before the flight landed. With help from The Columbus Foundation and later the Rotary International, the fund became reality and has grown from $15,000 to $2 million over the years. The impact: 461 scholarships awarded since 2002, enabling students from Lewisporte and its surrounding villages to attend university or vocational training. More than money, these scholarships represent hope, encouragement, and a living reminder of the world’s goodness.
Join us for this amazing story, and a Columbus resident who has changed our notion of "neighbors". My Podcast Guy
The story of Shirley Brooks-Jones, a 9/11 "Plane Person" turning tragedy into hope. Discover how one act of giving can change lives!
