Tunnel to Towers Foundation
| Formation | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation |
| 02-0554654 | |
| Purpose | Honoring the sacrifice of FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001 |
| Headquarters | New York |
| Location |
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CEO | Frank Siller |
| Website | Official website |
formation, founded_date.The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a charitable organization founded in tribute to New York Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed on September 11, 2001, during the September 11 attacks. The foundation was formed in 2001 and operates as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 2003.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation helps families of September 11, first responders and veterans rebuild in part from funds raised through nationwide charity runs. The name of the organization commemorates Siller's run to the World Trade Center before being killed (he had driven his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel, but found that it had been closed for security purposes; determined to carry out his duty, he strapped his gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, a distance of 3 miles, where he lost his life while saving others).
The foundation faced controversy for funneling money raised ostensibly for families of September 11 first responders to instead provide financial assistance to former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.
The foundation also operates the Let Us Do Good Village, a 100-home area in Land O'Lakes, Florida, explicitly for veterans, first responders and their families. Since 2021, the foundation had paid about 30 mortgages for families of first responders across the United States, including the family of Darian Jarrott.