Tunnel to Towers hosts Let Us Do Good Ball

The Delmarva chapter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation held its inaugural Let Us Do Good Ball Sept. 17 at the historic Fort Miles Museum in Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes.

Not only did the event take time to pay tribute to fallen first responders, including the 343 New York City firefighters who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, it also was a time to pay tribute to those who support the foundation.

Special tribute was paid to Delaware State Police Cpl. Stephen Ballard, who was killed in the line of duty on April 26, 2017. His wife, Louise Cummings, with daughter Abigail, thanked the foundation for its support of her family. Under the foundation’s In The Line of Duty Program, her home mortgage was paid off.

Also honored was DSP Capt. Jason Sapp with the Follow in the Footsteps Award for his dedication to the foundation. Incidentally, Sapp was Ballard’s captain.

Foundation Delmarva Director Brian Brubaker said he was so moved by a speech given by Ocean City Fire Department Lt. Michael Knowles during a 9/11 ceremony that he asked him to give the same speech during the ball. “We walk down the path they paved with their sacrifice,” Knowles said.

Retired New York City firefighters Lt. Joseph DiMartino and Capt. William Butler rang a ceremonial bell to pay tribute to fallen comrades. Both survived the collapse of the north tower.

Representatives of I.G. Burton Lewes Chevrolet, Buick and GMC presented a $10,000 check to the foundation as part of its ongoing support.

The foundation, formed 20 years ago, has it roots in the 9/11 tragedy. Foundation President and CEO Frank Siller started the charity in honor of his brother, Stephen Siller, who was among those firefighters who died on Sept. 11. As a member of Brooklyn Squad 1, Stephen had just gone off duty when he heard a call about a fire at the World Trade Center. He returned to his squad, got his gear, and headed to the towers. Stopped at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, he strapped on his 65 pounds of gear and ran to the towers.

The foundation’s In The Line of Duty Program provides mortgage-free housing to fallen first-responders’ families, and smart homes for disabled veterans and first responders. The foundation’s fundraisers include the Never Forget Concert, 5K runs and walks, and other special events. On Sept. 12 at ground zero, foundation members read the names of all who have lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses. On Veterans Day, the foundation reads the names of every fallen service member since Sept. 11, 2001.

Food was donated by Mission BBQ, and music was provided by Second Time Around. Tours of the museum in Battery 519 were given by Fort Miles Historical Association volunteers.

The following morning, runners and walkers took part in the Tunnel to Towers 5K.