Tunnel to Towers 5K triples its fundraising goal

by Melissa Martin

The eighth annual Tunnel to Towers 5K on Medina Square Sept. 12 shattered numerous fund-raising records, including those set by the Hinckley Township Fire Department.

“This was our top fundraising year and the largest team we’ve ever had participate in the event,” Fire Chief Jestin Grossenbaugh said.

Grossenbaugh said 14 members of his department participated this year. Several children and other family members of Hinckley firefighters competed alongside them in the race that serves as a fundraiser for the national Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

“In all, we raised $3,094 for the organization, and we are still accepting donations until mid-October,” Grossenbaugh said, adding that several members of the department participated wearing full firefighter gear – which weighs 60 pounds – the way first responders did 20 years ago during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Including the fire department’s contributions, the Medina Tunnel to Towers event raised nearly $90,000. That amount was triple the goal.

The run is one of several annual Tunnel to Towers events around the country with the goal of raising funds to benefit military veterans, first responders and Gold Star families while honoring those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was launched in 2001 by the family of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who ran through Brooklyn’s Battery Tunnel all the way to the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001 when he heard about attacks on the buildings. He was one of 414 first responders who lost their lives that day.

The foundation has built and adapted more than 250 homes for injured military members and Gold Star families. It also has helped pay home mortgages for dozens of families that lost a loved in the line of duty as a firefighter or police officer.

Grossenbaugh calls the Tunnel to Towers Foundation “an amazing organization that assists our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.”

“Over 93% of all funds raised goes directly to the military and first responders,” he said. “It’s important to participate [in this event] so that we do not forget the 343 firefighters that died on 9/11, but also to help raise money for severely wounded military personal and first responders.” ∞