The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary club heard from Rotarian John Henshaw and Kiwanian Jeff Muddell about their experience with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Tower Climb NYC. Team Sanibel raised over $15,000 thanks to your support and ranked 6th
overall in funds raised by individual teams.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has held the Tower Climb NYC at
One World Trade Center in New York City since 2015, and about one thousand
participants climb 104 stories each year, 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.
John and Jeff started the climb at One World Trade Center at 5:45 am and finished 30 minutes later. While Jeff was
a floor ahead of John at the end of the climb, Jeff waited for John so they could finish as “Team Sanibel,” and cross the finish line together. They finished about 309 of 843
participants. Given that only 12 men finished in John’s age bracket (70-79) and
Jeff led the way, he was lucky to finish 1st in the oldest age bracket. He now
understands why only 12 men his age finished!
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission is to provide mortgage-free homes to fallen first responders and Gold Star families with children and the ultimate eradication of veteran homelessness.
Henshaw is no stranger to lower Manhattan or the World Trade Center complex. As head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004, he helped oversee the federal response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
“Through my time working at Ground Zero, I met and worked alongside many first responders who survived that day and continued working with them through the search and recovery, and
cleanup and recovery efforts,” said Henshaw. “I have the utmost respect for all those responding to this attack and for all those who currently serve and sacrifice every day to protect our lives and freedoms.”
Muddell is a native of Clifton, New Jersey, just 13 miles west of the World Trade Center. While he was already living in Florida during 9/11, he vividly recalls the 1993 attack on the World Trade center, and he knows many friends and families affected by the September 11th terrorist attack.
“Even in the suburbs, it seems everyone knows someone who was lost in 9/11. So, this Tunnel to Towers event will be special, and it will be great to support John, who played a crucial role in all the work that happened in lower Manhattan after 9/11,” said Muddell.
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary meets at the Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way and also on zoom. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., the meeting begins at 8:00 a.m. For more information about Rotary, please visit sanibelrotary.org. All are welcome!
