TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION
STANDING TALL FOR THOSE WHO STAND TALL FOR US

The losses suffered as a result of the worst terrorist attack in the country’s history on September 11, 2001 were virtually immeasurable. However, the death toll would have been far greater if not for the heroism carried out by many brave men and women who went beyond the call of duty at the Pentagon, aboard United Flight 93, and, of course, at the World Trade Center.

NYC firefighter Stephen Siller was one of those heroes. Stephen, who was assigned to the FDNY’s Squad 1 in Brooklyn, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner that a plane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife and asked her to tell his brothers that he would catch up with them later.

He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear, and then headed to Manhattan. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he was one of 343 FDNY brothers who was lost that day while saving others.

Stephen, who was the youngest of seven children, had everything to live for; a great wife, five children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Being as his parents were lay Franciscans, he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging, inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” was one that he lived by.

The Siller Family started the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor Stephen’s memory. The goal of the Foundation is to continue his legacy by supporting our nation’s first responders and service members.

On the last Sunday of each September, the Foundation holds the Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk in New York. The event symbolizes Stephen’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, and pays homage to the FDNY members, law enforcement officers, and civilians who lost their lives. Over 25,000 people participate in what is now considered by many to be one of the top 5K runs in America Thanks to corporate partners and generous donors, the Foundation is able to carry out its programs, which include building mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured service members, and supporting the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Smart homes host a myriad of features such as automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, back-up generators, central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets, and cabinets, counters, and stove tops that can be raised and lowered. These homes enable our most severely injured heroes to live better, more independent lives. To date, 56 homes have been completed or are under construction or in the design stage, and over $30 million has been allocated toward building smart homes.

Every day of the year, our brave first responders put their lives on the line for us. When there’s an emergency, while most are seeking safety, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders are running toward danger to save and protect the citizens of their communities. To honor the legacy of police officers, firefighters, and emergency service technicians who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the Foundation has created a special program to support the families of first responders who have lost their lives while protecting and serving the people of New York City. To date, the Foundation has pledged $3.2 million in the form of trust accounts and mortgage payoffs, and will continue to provide significant financial support.

The Foundation is very proud of its track record when it comes to sound fiscal management, organizational efficiency, and program integrity. Just 3.7% of expenses went toward administrative costs in 2016. The Foundation’s program service ratio was 93.1%; over 93 cents out of every dollar went directly to program services. It also boasts a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the country’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities.

By Andrew McClure

To learn more about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit its website at www.tunnel2towers.org.