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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Lourdes Sanchez-Breton-Tunnel to Towers Foundation LetterBoard Advisor Jose "Pepe" Diaz Commissioner 12`h District Miami Dade County 5t sa- Tunnel To Towers Foundation TUNNEL2TOWERS.ORG Miami Executive Board Lourdes Sanchez -Breton Director Rick Stephens Co -Director Iggy Carroll Jr. Co -Director Stacy Richard Logistics Coordinator Jeanette Harrington Secretary/Never Forget Coordinator Erika Benitez Publicity Coordinator Felipe Lay PIO Justin Nichols Sponsorship Coordinator Art Abreu Never Forget Coordinator Alexa Abreu Youth Involvement Coordinator Carla Crook Registration Coordinator NEVER FORGET Dear Respective Commissioner The Miami Tunnel2 Towers 5k Run/Walk & Climb with Expo along with the Stephen Siller Foundation, is seeking your support for our upcoming Tunnel 2 Towers event on Sunday September 18, 2016 in Downtown Miami. This will be history in the making, as Miami will be the very first city in the entire Nation to host an actual "Tunnel 2 Towers" 5k event by incorporating a stair climb recreating Stephen Siller's footsteps the day of September 11, 2001. Our Foundation is dedicated to help military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifices for our country. Our premier program, Building for America's Bravest, helps to build smart homes for our nation's most catastrophically injured service members. Being able to provide accessible, specially adapted smart homes for our nation's heroes is tremendously rewarding. To know that these homes restore our heroes' independence and dignity means we are fulfilling our mission. This upcoming September marks the 15th anniversary of September 11, we believe it is more important now than ever to make sure that this tragic day will never be forgotten. The Miami T2T Executive Board and the Stephen Siller Foundation are eager to bring this event to Miami, Florida to help remember that day and to honor our first responders and veterans in our community by hosting our 1. Miami T2T event. The ultimate goal of our community event is to raise funds for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and to create awareness to the heroic work of our first responders and veterans. The foundation is doing some great work for our most catastrophically injured veterans. There are currently 45 veterans whose homes are finished or in the design phase and a list of 200 in total that the foundation hopes to help as funds become raised and available. In addition, the foundation has raised funds to help pay off mortgages of several first responders who were killed in the line of duty. Lastly, this event serves as a way to honor our local first responders and veterans and rally the community around showing support. I am respectively requesting your support and assistance to facilitate the success of the Miami Tunnel 2 Towers 5k Run/Walk & Climb with Expo. The Foundation is a not -for profit 501{c}{3} with 92.3 % of the funds raised going directly to the services and programs it provides. It is also rated a four star in the Charity Navigator. As you can see, this foundation is doing great work for our very own heroes and first responders. It is with great respect that I am asking your support at this time to ensure a safe and successful event that has united every law enforcement, fire department and military branch here in South Florida and which also benefits every men and women in uniform that continue to sacrifice life and limb for our community and country. I thank you and extend my sincere gratitude in advance for all your kindness. I look forward for your support so together we can make the 15. year Anniversary of 9/11 an unforgettable one with our very first Miami T2T 5K Run/Walk & Climb with Expo. Lourdes Sanchez -Breton, Director Headquarters New York Miami Tunnel 2 Towers 5K Run, Climb, Walk & Expo Liz Curtis "Together Serving and Protecting" National Run Coordinator Stephen Siller Foundation Liz.Curtis@Tunnel2Towers.org Submitted into the public E. I I record far ii m s ��,, on 9 City Clerk Cell: 786-449-2598 Victoria Cumberbatch National Email: Ibreton@tunnel2towers.orgor Mianni@tunnel2towers.org Outreach >; Coordinator Facebook: 2016 Miami Tunnel to Towers Instagram: @ Miami_t2t Twitter: @ Miami_t2t Victoria.Cumberbatch@TunnelAn 1,ouic\e, `j� /� `',I� 0 p L 12rTowess�otSkb�AA\ s Soknc`net, ��1S ' \\JIAAV` Vower3 6U�����o� cSteiUU�aeiL c>if��er Tunnel ToTuwers 5K RUN & WALK 1N ANC ATIS NEVER FORGET Since the organization's inception, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has committed to practicing sound fiscal management, organizational efficiency, and program integrity. The Foundation keeps fundraising and administrative costs at a minimum, with only a small percentage of funds allocated to overhead costs. Based on fiscal year audited financial statements ending December 31, 2014, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation had a program service percentage of 92.3%. As always, we are fully accountable to those we assist, and to our donors. Frank Siller, the organization's Chairman/CEO, is an uncompensated volunteer. 2014 Functional Expenses 2.10%FUNDRAISING X 4.60%MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL In 2014, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is proud to announce that just 4.6% of expenses went toward administrative costs. Our program service ratio was 92.3%; over 92 cents out of every dollar went directly to program services. Program service ratio is a key barometer used to measure operating effectiveness. submitted into the public I I CCOrd 'tem(s) f\l� • n City Clerk Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 2508 Cincinnati, OH 45201 Date: June 2, 2015 STEPHEN SILLER TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION % FRANK SILLER 2361 HYLAN BLVD STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306 Department of the Treasury Person to Contact: #0196814 Ms. Benjamin Toll Free Telephone Number: 877-829-5500 Employer Identification Number: 02-0554654 Dear Sir or Madam: This is in response to your May 19, 2015 request for information regarding your tax-exempt status. Our records indicate you were recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in a determination letter issued in February 2003. Our records also indicate you are not a private foundation within the meaning of section 509(a) of the Code because you are described in section 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). Donors may deduct contributions to you as provided in section 170 of the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to you or for your use are deductible for federal estate and gift tax purposes if they meet the applicable provisions of sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the Code. Please refer to our website www.irs.gov/charities for information regarding filing requirements. Specifically, note that section 6033(j) of the Code automatically revokes the tax -exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years. The automatic revocation of exemption is effective as of the due date of the third required annual filing or notice. The IRS maintains a list of organizations whose tax- exempt status was automatically revoked at IRS.gov. If you have any questions, please call the phone number in the heading of this letter. Sincerely, Tamera Ripperda Director, Exempt Organizations Submitted into the public record I�� t��b (S) on • City Clerk MIAMI Tunnel 2 Towers 5k Run/Walk & Climb with Expo Sunday September 18, 2016 Tunnel TO Towers 5K RUN & WALK NEVER FORGET Submitted into the public record fpr ilem(s) �E • 11 on Q MR) City Clerk filer Tunne!ToTowers 5K RUN & WALK NEVER FORGET STE P H E N' S STORY New York Firefighter, Stephen Gerard Siller, was the youngest of seven children, born to Mae and George Siller. At the age of eight, Stephen's father died and eighteen months later, he lost his mother. Orphaned, Stephen was 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: a devoted husband, father of five, brother, neighbor and dedicated firefighter. More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Stephen had just completed his shift at Squad 1 in Brooklyn, NY and was on his way to play golf with his three brothers. As soon as he heard the news of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers, Stephen returned to Squad 1 to get his gear and headed to the World Trade Center to meet up with his squad. He drove his truck to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and when he arrived, the tunnel was closed for security purposes. Stephen then grabbed his sixty pounds of gear and raced on foot through the Tunnel to the Towers. This path would come to be Stephen's final steps. Stephen, 342 FDNY brothers, and fellow first responders were inside the Towers when they collapsed. They heroically gave up their lives that day for us all. It was no surprise to those who knew Stephen that he made the choice he did on 9/11. His decision to save others was in keeping with how he was living his life every day. In his memory, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established in 2001 to follow in his footsteps and "Do Good," by making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of others. Submitted into the public b I record�fpr iem(s) I ff on k [ City Clerk Adi,, nil�s �© Anal ••ice I1T PROUD PROGRAM OF BEY STOOD UP FOR YOU. WILL YOU STAND UP FOR -_-HEM? Building for America's Bravest is a program of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation that builds Smart Hoines for our most catastrophically injured service members returning home. Each home is custom designed to address the unique needs of each individual. Energy efficient, automated and easily accessible — these homes use "adaptive technology" to help our most severely injured heroes live better, more independent lives. But as amazing as adaptive home technology is, it's far beyond the reach of most veterans and their modest pensions. The waiting list is long - and for every home we build, another three veterans join the list. When the call came, these brave service members went. They made extraordinary sacrifices in our place. Please help give them a home they can come home to. Your donation will make a real difference in a service hero's life. ABOUT THE SMART HOMES The needs of every catastrophically injured service member are different, and a Smart Home from Building for America's Bravest program is specifically catered to the unique needs of its recipients. Smart Homes host a myriad of features such as automated doors and lighting, wider doors and special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, cabinets and counters that can be raised and lowered, and central heating and air condition systems that can be controlled by iPads. Through your donations, the Building for America's Bravest program can help America's bravest military heroes support their families and live the rest of their lives as independently as possible. A contribution of any size is fully tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. If you can donate your time and talents, T2Trun.org is always looking for volunteers for events held around the country. Submitted into the publicn record fo it4m(s) q. l t on l �� lit •City Clerk ABOUT THE FOUNDATION Building for America's Bravest (BFAB) is a proud program of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. It aims to raise funds to build custom designed, specially adapted homes for the most catastrophically injured American service members. The legacy began on September 11, 2001. FDNY father of five, Stephen Siller was on his way to meet his three brothers to play golf. When he heard on his scanner what had happened at the World Trade Center, brave Stephen strapped on 60 lbs. of firefighter gear, rushed on foot through gridlocked traffic and ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site. Stephen was last seen with his brothers of Squad 1; all of whom died saving others. Stephen's loved ones organized the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization helped establish the Tunnel to Towers Run, a living, breathing tribute to all that died on 9/11 and to those who serve in the line of duty to protect our country. Participants of the Tunnel To Towers Run retrace the final footsteps of heroic Stephen Siller from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site. What began as a runner -led memorial for Siller eventually evolved into ensuring that honor and service is provided to the brave men and women serving in America's recent wars, as well as our courageous first responders who serve domestically each and every day. In 2011, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation officially began the Building for America's Bravest program (BFAB) to provide a specially adaptive home for the first ever quadruple amputee to survive, Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco. By the end of 2013, BFAB has the goal to have completed or broken ground on 23 Smart Homes for veterans across the country. Submitted into the public Q record f r it rr(s) [,b- 11 on 1� ��6 City Clerk Miami Tunnel2 Towers 5k Run/Walk & Climb with Expo will be hosting its Inaugural event on Sunday September 18, 2016 at Bayfront Park. Miami will be the first city in the entire Nation to host the two events, Run/Walk & Climb together, retracing Stephen Siller's actual final footsteps. Miami has added to the Tunnel 2 Towers event, an Expo showcasing OUR very own Bravest, Finest and Heroes here in South Florida. We invite the entire South Florida Community to join us at 2:00pm for the opportunity to meet and greet your local First Responders and Military Personnel, from every department and branch, as they unite together on the 15th year anniversary of 9/11, to honor every men and women in uniform that continue to sacrifice life or limb while serving and protecting our nation or community. Bring your family and friends for a fun -filled Sunday at the park enjoying demonstrations, vehicle showcase, children activities, music and food. This is a free event for everyone. The Expo will lead into the Race/Walk & Climb; start time is 7:OOpm. Award Ceremony, will immediately follow. Click on the link below and register today. http://www.crowdrise.com/T2TMiarni2016 Follow us on social media for details and updates. Facebook: Miami Tunnel 2 Towers Instagram & Twitter: @miami t2t We are continuously looking for sponsorships and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor for the Miami Tunnel 2 Towers 5k Run/Walk & Climb with Expo; please email us at miami@tunnel2towers.org Miami Tunnel 2 Towers' duty is to continue to help our very own. We strongly believe that no matter what badge or uniform we may wear, we are all family; Serving and Protecting our Nation and Community. Submitted into the publicn record f r i em(s) 1 E. it on City Clerk 11 0 N R 5 "41f 7� *SEPTEMBER 11, 2001� Tunnel To Towers �v 5K RUN & WALK NEVER FORGET MIAMI SOUR BRAVEST FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF 9/11 HERO, FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN SILLER TO ENSURE THAT AND HONOR THE SACRIFICES OF OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MILITARY HEROES. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18T" 1:OOPM START LINE AT BAYFRONT PARK, BISCAYNE BLVD. MIAMI, FL 33132 EXPO AND 5K WITH OPTIONAL 39 FLIGHT CLIMB AT ONE BISCAYNE TOWER (r‘7. EVENT T-SHIRT POST RUN EVENTS GREAT FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES REGISTER NOW! #T2TRUN All proceeds will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, including our Building for America's Bravest program, which builds specially adapted, custom designed smart homes for our nation's most catastrophically injured service members.