9/11 Day co-founders plan CNN special to generate good deeds

For years, David Paine and Jay Winuk have wanted to turn 9/11 into something positive, as counterintuitive as that might sound.

The two co-founders of 9/11 Day, who successfully lobbied the government to officially rename the day September 11 National Day of Service & Remembrance, have encouraged millions to commemorate the day with volunteerism. To mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, whose victims included Winuk’s brother Glenn, Paine and Winuk are expanding their efforts with a CNN special, “Shine a Light,” airing on Sept. 11.

The tribute to those affected by 9/11, Paine said, will also serve as “a telethon, except instead of asking people to donate money we’re asking them to donate pledges of good deeds.”