Thousands of participants took part in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City on September 24, 2023, retracing the route of fallen firefighter Stephen Siller. The event, which honors the victims of the September 11 attacks, successfully raised over $1 million to support the families of first responders and veterans.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in 2001, aims to provide mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders, especially those with young children, and to build “smart homes” for injured veterans. “This event is the cornerstone of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” said Frank Siller, the organization’s Chairman and CEO. “It’s how we honored the life of my brother Stephen in 2002, and it remains a moving tribute to all of those lost on 9/11 24 years later.”
Participants included a diverse group of runners from across the globe, with over 50 firefighters from France joining the effort this year. The foundation has already surpassed $2.4 million in fundraising, with contributions coming from both corporate and individual donors.
Among the noteworthy participants was Keegan Muldowney, a police officer from Potsdam, New York, who led his team, the Muldowney Moondogs, to raise a record-breaking $135,000 in honor of his cousin, Ritchie “Moondog” Muldowney. Muldowney expressed that the collective effort to support the foundation is fueled by a shared desire to contribute to its noble cause. “There’s no selling, there’s no pitching,” he remarked. “Everybody we talked to wants to contribute to the good that the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is doing.”
The Muldowney family has been involved with the foundation since its inception, ramping up fundraising activities in recent years through events in Florida, Long Island, and the Adirondack Mountains. Muldowney highlighted the significance of educating the next generation about the sacrifices made by first responders. “The true meaning of ‘Never forget’ is that the next generation needs to be educated and also never forget,” he stated.
The Tunnel to Towers race is not just a fundraiser; it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders on that tragic day. The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, often linked to the desperate rush to the Twin Towers, became a symbol of courage as thousands of runners and walkers traversed its length to honor those who lost their lives.
As fundraising efforts continue for several more weeks, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation remains committed to its mission. The money raised will go directly to providing support for families affected by the events of September 11 and for veterans who have returned from service with life-altering injuries.
The foundation’s work resonates with many, as individuals from all walks of life come together to remember and honor the heroes of 9/11. As participants crossed the finish line, they celebrated not only their achievements but also the collective effort to ensure that the sacrifices made by first responders are never forgotten.