SEPT. 21, 2015 (NEW YORK, NY) – Since January 2012, the Semper Fi Fund has provided nearly $2.5 million to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. That tradition of giving, and of honoring the sacrifices made by first responders in the fight against terrorism, will continue September 25 in New York City at the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.
At this powerful event, which comes just two weeks after the 15th anniversary of the horrors of 9/11, tens of thousands of people will be following in the footsteps that New York City firefighter Stephen Siller took that day when he parked his truck by the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and ran to the World Trade Center site with 60 pounds of gear on his back—only to give up his life while saving the lives of others.
Among the participants in the 5k event will be 40 service members, of Team Semper Fi Fund and Team America’s Fund—members of our volunteer military services who became wounded, critically ill or injured as the result of their post-9/11 service to our country. In addition, family members, caregivers and children of our service members will also participate. Donations raised from their run will assist family members of fallen firefighters, paramedics and police officers.
“Many of the service members that are helped by the Semper Fi Fund cite the events of 9/11 as the reason they raised their right hand and took an oath to defend this country,” said Semper Fi Fund President, Executive Director and Founder Karen Guenther. “This 5k has a very special place in our hearts, and it’s deeply touching to see how the members of Team Semper Fi and Team America’s Fund take the notion of recovery through sport and blend it with honoring first responders.”
The 5k begins Sunday morning at about 9:30 a.m. in Ikea parking lot 9 at 1 Beard Street in Brooklyn and ends at the Freedom Tower. There is also a pre-race pasta dinner Saturday evening.
For more information about the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit http://tunnel2towers.org/event/2016-tunnel-to-towers-5k-run-walk-new-york-city/
For more information about Team Semper Fi, visit semperfifund.org/team-semper-fi.
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About Team Semper Fi and Team America’s Fund
Semper Fi Fund, a top-rated nonprofit providing urgently needed resources and lifetime support to wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, created Team Semper Fi and Team America’s Fund to provide service members with the opportunity to facilitate their recovery through sport. Across a wide variety of competitive landscapes from local runs to international Paralympic events, recovery and reintegration is encouraged and supported through competition, camaraderie and celebration of individual achievement.
For press information or to arrange interviews contact: Barbara Pflughaupt, 212-707-8181.
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