Testimonials — Jay Winuk

“I was sincerely honored to be with you in New York. Your work . . . and your successful efforts to rightfully establish September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance is an important honor to the men and women we lost – and it reminds our nation the enduring memories of that day were not of destruction, but unity, courageousness, and selflessness.”

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 46th President of the United States of America

“We appreciate your dedication to service. Your efforts are a remarkable example of the generosity and compassion that make our communities stronger and better. Thank you for being a shining point in the lives of the people of America and for helping to shape a better tomorrow for our nation.”

George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States of America
Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute

“Jay is a bridge builder, who deeply respects those who don’t agree with him, and finds a way to bring people around to a common vision. It takes smarts, humility and deep respect, and Jay’s got it all.”

AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service, Chief Strategy Officer/EVP, City Year, Inc.

“It would be hard to put into words what a great job you did on Friday. The audience was scholarship nominees who are trying to decide to come here. For them your speech was superb. But there were several other ‘audiences’ in the room as well, including department chairs and admission and advisement people. For them the speech was terrific as well. These are all the people who toil at many thankless tasks and, while the job does put food on the table, you have to ask yourself pretty often: ‘Does what I do here really matter in any significant way—am I really making a difference doing this?’ Well, your talk really did, in the best way, dignify all they do… in a really uplifting way. I think everyone in that room felt proud to be a part of what is happening here, thanks to your speech.”

Dr. Arthur F. Dauria, Professor and Former Chair of the Communications Arts Department, State University of New York College at Oneonta; Author, “Life After Work”

“Today we remember the lives we lost on 9/11. Even the smallest act of service is a way to honor them. And just like Jay Winuk, we can honor their memories through service.”

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

“Thank you so much for speaking. Our group members were so engaged in your heartfelt, inspirational presentation – I’ve never seen them ask a speaker so many questions!”

Shayna Gershman, UJA Federation of New York

“Your words provided an eloquent bridge between the events of 9/11 and the healing power of good deeds. Our employees were touched by your personal strength, and by your commitment to ensure that 9/11 would be a day to remember with hope rather than hatred. I am certain that our employees set out today on their volunteer missions inspired by a new perspective about the benefits of giving back to their communities.”

Willard I. Hill, Jr., President, MBIA Foundation Inc.

“Thank you for your contribution to our first district-wide Tolerance Conference. Due to your efforts and time, the day was a huge success. Our students gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be tolerant and the importance of creating a kind and empathetic world. You enriched this day and were an example of a true upstander.”

Marilyn Hirschfield and Marie Testa, Principals North Bellmore Union Free School District

“Yay, Jay! You are, in Dr. Martin Luther King’s words, “a Drum Major for Justice!” These times call for all who would see a better world to stand up for truth and righteousness! Stay strong brother.”

John R. Kirksey, Former President and CEO, National Multicultural Institute

“Of all the groups I got to work with while at the White House, David, Jay, and Fred of MyGoodDeed were by far the most inspiring and rewarding. Their motivations are authentic and true, their work is really solid, their style of engagement is easy and sophisticated, and they are very smart and talented.”

Katie Loovis, Former Associate Director, USA Freedom Corps, The White House, Former Director, External Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior

“Your comments were truly inspiring. The faculty and staff present were very proud, and many of us were talking about a service project . . . that the entire campus can engage in. The parents and students in attendance were very impressed with your message, success, compassion and commitment you exude. From an event planning perspective, 'a home run' for certain. You have certainly set the bar high for our next speaker.”

Karen A. Brown, Director Of Admission, State University Of New York At Oneonta

“Your remarks were insightful, poignant, inspirational and extremely well received. Your initiative brings to mind one of my favorite quotes – ‘You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.’ ”

Philip T. Tisi, Office of the Supervisor, Town of Ramapo, NY

“David and Jay had a very clear vision of what they wanted to do that was very forward-looking, when most people were looking at the here and now. They wanted to make some good come out of 9/11. I would say they saw the rainbow before everyone else did.”

Terry Sears, Executive Director, Tuesday's Children

“Thank you on behalf of the World Cares Center team for your part in our film project. The passion and honesty of your words has left an indelible mark on every person involved in the production of this film… you have (contributed to) an oral history of this organization… (that) we can hold up as we move forward with our mission of educating and empowering volunteers everywhere.”

Jesse R. Zeigler, Communications and Culture Manager, World Cares Center