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Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb New York City

Sun June 2, 2024 New York, NY 10007 US Directions
Fundraiser

James Sheridan
Climbing For Chris

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$5,808

Raised of $5,000

$0
$5,000

Help me honor our heroes lost too soon.

On June 2, 2024, I will be taking part in the Tunnel to Towers NYC Tower Climb to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The foundation was an immense help to the family of Chris Mortensen, a Wilkes-Barre Police Sergeant who died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Chris was a loving husband and father, a beloved son, a coworker and true friend. In 2023 Tunnel to Towers paid off the Mortensen family's mortgage, removing a large financial burden.  Sgt. Mortensen's family was able to benefit from the Tunnel to Towers Season of Hope, when the foundation provides 40 mortgage-free homes to America's heroes between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  

I am also climbing to honor two other dear friends lost too soon.  Lenny Insalaco and John Lombardo lost their lives while fighting a commercial structure fire in Pittston City on March 15, 1993.  They are dearly missed every day and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.  Although Tunnel to Towers was not around in 1993, I know in my heart that they would have been at the front of the line to help the families of Lenny and John.

Sincere thanks,

Jamie

About the foundation and the climb...

Each year since 2015, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC at One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in New York City. One thousand participants climb 104 stories, symbolizing strength, hope and the resiliency of the American spirit.

The event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and FDNY Captain Billy Burke.

On September 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a FDNY firefighter assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers. He suddenly got word over his scanner that an airplane had hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. There, he gave up his life while saving others.

Captain William F. Burke, Jr. and his men were on the 27th floor of the North Tower when the South Tower collapsed. Billy immediately alerted the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and the Officer of Ladder Co. 24, his original company, of the collapse. They, along with their men, immediately evacuated along with a number of civilians they were assisting, all surviving. Minutes later the North Tower collapsed and Billy perished along with the other innocents on September 11, 2001. He selflessly repeated, “keep going, I’m right behind you,” to keep his men moving to safety.

The view from One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center is nothing short of spectacular. After making the emotional climb, participants explore expansive, panoramic views in every direction from a unique perspective. One of the major highlights, of course, is viewing the two reflecting pools that mark the footprints of where the Twin Towers once stood.

Recognitions

$150
$250

Top Donors

$5,808 Raised By 55 Donors

$2,000 from Anonymous
$250 on behalf of Elizabeth Hastie
$250 on behalf of Maria Sypniewski
$250 on behalf of The Luzerne Foundation
$200 on behalf of Joseph Coffay
$200 on behalf of Wilkes Barre Fire Department Athletic Association
$150 on behalf of Deanna Costas Gunlefinger
$100 on behalf of Alicia Mortensen
$100 on behalf of Baldino Vinciarelli
$100 on behalf of Brianna Foley Julia
$100 on behalf of Edward Urban
$100 on behalf of Eric Cushing
$100 on behalf of George C. Brown
$100 on behalf of Michelle & Geno Consenza
$100 on behalf of RJ Knorr
$100 on behalf of Sandra Insalaco
$100 on behalf of Stacie Mruk
$100 on behalf of Steven Lada
$100 on behalf of Tim Whitney
$50 on behalf of Angelo Alfano
$50 on behalf of Christine Rutledge
$50 on behalf of Diane Foley
$50 on behalf of Elena Knepper
$50 on behalf of Greg Insalaco
$50 on behalf of Jeff Ference
$50 on behalf of Jim Verdekal
$50 on behalf of Kimberly Zdrojesky
$50 on behalf of Klapat Family
$50 on behalf of Lenny Snyder
$50 on behalf of Melissa Caton
$50 on behalf of MICHAEL TWERDI
$50 on behalf of Peter Cordaro
$50 on behalf of The Amazing Liz Insalaco
$50 on behalf of The Steele Family
$50 on behalf of Thomas Cross
$48 on behalf of Sarina Durst
$40 on behalf of Lindsey O'Connor
$30 on behalf of Justin Morris
$30 on behalf of Nikole Saltz
$25 on behalf of Bill Ardoline
$25 on behalf of Brian Alu
$25 on behalf of David Stein
$25 on behalf of Gene Rittel
$25 on behalf of Jessica Dobosh-Timek
$25 on behalf of Kimberly Schultz-Janosky
$25 on behalf of Leeann Stanton
$25 on behalf of The Cleary Family
$25 on behalf of The Maciejczak Family
$25 on behalf of Thomas Flannery
$20 on behalf of Amy Honoosic
$20 on behalf of Gabby Dobosh
$20 on behalf of Isabella Concha
$20 on behalf of Jill Matthews
$20 on behalf of Michelle Kozich
$10 on behalf of Nadine Blannett

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