What is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation? The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit organization created to honor Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11. Founded by his family in 2001, the foundation supports families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families. It also builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. With over $500 million committed to its programs, the foundation has helped thousands. Their annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk retraces Stephen's heroic path on 9/11, drawing nearly 30,000 participants each year.
Key Takeaways:
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors fallen heroes by providing homes for their families and building smart homes for injured veterans and first responders. They engage the community through events and educational programs, ensuring transparency and financial accountability.
- The foundation's annual 5K event retraces a firefighter's path on 9/11, engaging close to 30,000 participants. Donors can support the cause through various methods, including tax-deductible donations and car contributions.
The Beginning of Tunnel to Towers Foundation
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was born from a tragic event but has since become a beacon of hope for many. Let's dive into the facts about this impactful organization.
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Founding: Established in 2001 by the Siller family, the foundation honors Stephen Siller, a firefighter who died on 9/11 while running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to reach the World Trade Center.
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Mission: The foundation's mission is to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and to build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Programs and Initiatives
The foundation runs several programs that make a significant difference in the lives of many. Here are some key initiatives:
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Impact: Since its inception, the foundation has committed over $500 million to its programs, helping over 650,000 visitors through its 9/11 Mobile Exhibit.
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Building for America's Bravest: This initiative constructs custom smart homes for severely injured U.S. service members in partnership with companies like Johnson & Johnson and The Home Depot.
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Smart Home Program: Provides specially adapted homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, designed to meet their unique needs, often including features like wheelchair ramps and specialized medical equipment.
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Eligibility Criteria: Open to members of all military branches and first responders, the application process involves a thorough evaluation of the individual's injuries and needs.
Financial Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is crucial for any charitable organization. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation ensures donors know where their money goes.
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Financial Reports: The foundation publishes its financial reports, ensuring transparency in its operations. These reports can be viewed on the foundation's website.
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Third-Party Reviews: Reviewed by an objective third party, the foundation's financial practices are scrutinized and verified.
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Donation Methods: Donations can be made through various methods, including online contributions, in-person donations, and through the Combined Federal Campaign.
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Tax-Deductibility: Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible, allowing donors to support the cause while also receiving a tax benefit.
Annual Events and Community Engagement
The foundation hosts several annual events that engage the community and raise funds for their programs.
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Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk: This event retraces Stephen Siller's path on 9/11 and raises funds for the foundation's programs.
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Event Participation: Each year, close to 30,000 people participate in the 5K Run & Walk, many with personal reasons for participating, such as honoring fallen family members or recognizing their own service history.
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Event Headliners: The 2024 event features country star Tyler Hubbard as the headliner for the post-run concert.
Supporter Spotlight and Personal Stories
The foundation highlights various supporters and shares personal stories to show the impact of their work.
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Supporter Spotlight: Families like the Ryan Family, Laurie Rudnick, Michael Larson, Lauren Esposito, and Shannon Rose are featured supporters.
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Donation Impact: For just $11 a month, supporters can provide peace of mind and help a Gold Star or fallen first responder family achieve mortgage-free living.
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First Responder Support: Committed to supporting first responders and their families, the foundation helps those left behind when hundreds of first responders have died in the line of duty since 9/11.
Addressing Veteran Homelessness
The foundation also focuses on eradicating veteran homelessness, ensuring no veteran has to live on the streets.
- Veteran Homelessness: Works towards providing stable housing solutions for veterans, ensuring they have a place to call home.
Educational Programs and 9/11 Reflections
Keeping the memory of 9/11 alive is a crucial part of the foundation's mission.
- 9/11 Reflections: Hosts initiatives aimed at keeping the memory of 9/11 alive, including educational programs and exhibits that help visitors understand the significance of that day.
Additional Ways to Support
There are various ways individuals can support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation beyond monetary donations.
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Car Donation Program: Individuals can donate their vehicles to support the cause, helping fund the foundation's programs and services.
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Combined Federal Campaign: Participates in this workplace giving program, allowing federal employees to donate to their favorite charities.
Leadership and Efficiency
The foundation is led by dedicated individuals who ensure its mission is fulfilled efficiently.
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CEO Frank Siller: Founded the organization with his six siblings to honor their brother Stephen. Frank Siller has been instrumental in leading the foundation.
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Administrative Costs: Known for its efficient use of funds, the foundation spends only half as much on administration and fundraising compared to other charities.
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CEO Salary: The CEO's salary is $365,000, which is lower than many other charity CEOs but reflects the complexity and scope of the foundation's operations.
Community Involvement and Recognition
The foundation engages with the community through various events and initiatives, earning recognition for its efforts.
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Community Involvement: Works closely with local organizations and businesses to ensure its mission is supported by the broader community.
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Educational Programs: Provides programs and exhibits that educate visitors about 9/11 and its impact, designed to keep the memory of that day alive.
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Support from Corporations: Partners with corporations like Johnson & Johnson and The Home Depot to support its initiatives.
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Personal Stories: Shares personal stories of those impacted by its programs, highlighting the human side of the foundation's work.
Event Participation and Emotional Impact
Participating in the foundation's events can be a powerful and emotional experience.
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Event Participation Motivations: Many participants in the 5K Run & Walk have personal motivations, such as honoring fallen family members or recognizing their own service history.
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Event Emotional Impact: Running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, retracing Stephen Siller's path on 9/11, can be emotionally challenging for participants.
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Family Involvement: Many participants in the 5K Run & Walk are accompanied by family members who cheer them on.
Commitment to the Cause
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to support those who have sacrificed so much.
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Foundation's Commitment: Dedicated to supporting the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, as well as providing specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
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Transparency: Committed to transparency in its operations, publishing financial reports and ensuring activities are scrutinized by an objective third party.
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Donation Process: Straightforward, allowing individuals to contribute through various methods, including online contributions and in-person donations.
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Tax Benefits: Donations are tax-deductible, providing donors with a financial incentive to support the cause.
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Community Engagement: Engages with the community through various events and initiatives, working closely with local organizations and businesses.
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Educational Programs Impact: Significant impact on visitors, helping keep the memory of 9/11 alive and educating future generations.
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Corporate Partnerships: Partners with corporations to support its initiatives, helping fund the construction of smart homes and other programs.
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Personal Stories Impact: Demonstrates the tangible difference the foundation makes in people's lives, serving as a powerful motivator for donors and participants.
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Event Participation Numbers: Each year, close to 30,000 people participate in the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk, underscoring the event's significance and popularity.
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Event Emotional Significance: Running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, retracing Stephen Siller's path on 9/11, is a powerful way to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks.
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Foundation's Commitment: Dedicated to its mission of supporting the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families, as well as providing specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
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Transparency: Committed to transparency in its operations, publishing financial reports and ensuring activities are scrutinized by an objective third party.
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Donation Process: Straightforward, allowing individuals to contribute through various methods, including online contributions and in-person donations.
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Tax Benefits: Donations are tax-deductible, providing donors with a financial incentive to support the cause.
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Community Engagement: Engages with the community through various events and initiatives, working closely with local organizations and businesses.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation: A Legacy of Honor and Support
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and support for families of fallen first responders and catastrophically injured veterans. Founded in memory of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who gave his life on 9/11, the foundation has committed over $500 million to its programs. From providing mortgage-free homes to building specially adapted smart homes, the foundation's impact is profound. Annual events like the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk draw thousands, highlighting the community's dedication to honoring heroes. Transparent financial practices and efficient use of funds ensure that donations make a real difference. With a mission rooted in sacrifice and service, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation continues to honor the legacy of those who protect and serve, offering tangible support to their families and keeping the memory of 9/11 alive for future generations.
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