From April 1 thru April 29, 2022, $5.00 of each sale of Vanguard MK-1 or MK-1 Ultra gloves will go toward Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization built to honor the sacrifice of firefighter, Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001, as well as our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
If you prefer to make a donation directly to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please click HERE.
Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller was the youngest of seven children born to Mae and George Siller. At the age of eight, Stephen lost his father, and a year and a half later his mother passed away, leaving him an orphan to be raised by his older siblings. For a while Stephen went through a period of struggle, but thanks to the love of his siblings, and the values instilled in him by his parents, he grew up to be an extraordinary individual and dedicated firefighter. More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.
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 gave up his life while saving others.
Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen’s parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good – this is his legacy.
Author and family friend Jay Price wrote: “Every momentous event, even a tragedy, has its symbolic figures. September 11th was no different; it just had a few more of them. Rudy Giuliani, Father Mychal Judge, the four guys on United Flight 93 … a hundred more … a thousand. None bigger than Stephen Siller, whose stature only grows with time as New Yorkers and people from around the world follow his footsteps.”
Tunnel to Towers Impact Programs
Smart Home Program
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the unique needs of each individual. Smart homes host a myriad of features such as automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, automatic door openers, cabinets, counters, and stove tops that can be raised and lowered, back-up generators, and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets. These homes help our most severely injured veterans and first responders to reclaim their day-to-day independence.
Fallen First Responder Home Program
Through the Fallen First Responder Home Program, Tunnel to Towers aims to pay off the mortgages of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty, or to 9/11 related illness, and leave behind young children. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security for these families facing sudden, tragic loss.
Gold Star Family Home Program
The Gold Star Family Home Program, launched in September 2018, honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. The Foundation will provide a mortgage-free home to surviving spouses with young children.
Legacy of Love and Wings of a Hero Program
Since the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s inception, countless children, who have either been orphaned or have lost one parent, have been recipients of necessary funding to assist with education, counseling or other needs. Through the Legacy of Love initiative, families have received funding to assist with immediate emergency needs. To date, $750,000 has been gifted to recipients through these two programs.
Footsteps to the Future Endowment
By leaving a meaningful legacy at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, you’ll have an impact on our programs, and all of those who benefit, for generations to come. It is an honor and privilege to do the important work we do. Endowed gifts ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission for years to come.
National Run, Walk, and Climb Series
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s National Run, Walk & Climb Series has now expanded to 80+ events across the country planned by volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to host events that will enable communities across the country to come together to be a part of our mission to Never Forget.
9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit
In 2013, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation launched its 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit; a tribute to all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, including the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) who made the ultimate sacrifice. The high-tech, 83-foot tractor-trailer, which transforms into a 1,100 square foot exhibit, is a tool to further educate people across the country about the events of that tragic day.