FAQs - Tunnel to Towers Foundation (2024)

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What is the organization’s mission?

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax ID # is 02-0554654.

How do I make a contribution?

How much of my donation goes directly to the organization’s mission?

Our program service ratio is over 95%; over 95 cents out of every dollar goes directly to program services. Program service ratio is a key barometer used to measure operating effectiveness.

Where can your organization’s financial reports be viewed?

The Foundation’s Form 990 and its Consolidated Financial Statements are posted prominently on our website. The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and have been reviewed by an independent auditor.Tunnel2Towers.org/financials

Are you reviewed by an objective third party?

Yes. We received our sixth consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a top distinction from the country’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. The Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities. In addition, we scored 100% in the Accountability and Transparency category five years running. These exceptional designations from Charity Navigator differentiate the Tunnel to Towers Foundation from its peers, and demonstrates that it is worthy of your trust.

How do I donate In Honor of or In Memory of someone?

To donate In Honor of or In Memory of someone special, pleaseclick hereto download our printable donation form. Make sure to fill out the “Optional Dedication” area of the form and mail it back to the address listed on the bottom of the document.

What is the mission of your Smart Home Program?

What is the criteria for eligibility?

What are smart homes?

Smart homestechnology has a myriad of features designed to accommodate wheelchairs and give our catastrophically injured service members independence and safety at home. (Click herefor specific features)

Is the application process open to members of all branches?

Is the service member charged anything for the home?

How do I apply for a home?

Click herefor program requirements and application information

Can I help build smart homes?

If you would like to inquire about participating in the construction of asmart home, pleaseclick here.

What is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC?

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC was created to honor the final footsteps of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001, after strapping on his gear and running through the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel (formerly known as the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel) to the Twin Towers.

When is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC?

Where is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC located?

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC begins in Brooklyn and concludes in Manhattan on West Street at Murray Street. Participants wearing their bibs should enter through the security checkpoint at Coffey Park on Dwight Street.

How far is the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC?

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC is slightly longer than a standard 5K course. It is approximately 3.5 miles long, beginning at the Brooklyn portal of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel and continuing into the streets of Manhattan before finally finishing at West Street and Murray Street. Click here to see a course map.

How much does adult registration cost?

Can I register the day of the run?

No – You will not be able to register on the day of the event.

When does online registration close?

Do I have to wear my bib number?

Yes – You must display your bib on the front of your outermost garment. Those running without a bib will be asked to leave the course and will not be allowed to finish.

Can I purchase a timing chip?

Yes. Please note that timing chips are only available while supplies last. They cannot be purchased on the day of the run.

Is there transportation to and from the event?

Is there parking available?

There is no parking on the Brooklyn side and only limited parking by South Street Seaport in Manhattan. Use of the New York Water Taxi is strongly encouraged for the event.

Where can I pick up my runner’s packet or volunteer/vendor credentials?

Can I pick up someone else’s registration packet/bib?

Will water be available?

Yes, Water stations on the course are located at the end of the tunnel on the Manhattan side and on Vesey Street at the post-race BBQ and concert. NO WATER BOTTLES ARE PERMITTED ALONG THE RUN COURSE.

What can you bring to the event?

What items are prohibited on race day?

Can I bring my cell phone?

Are refunds permissible? Can I transfer my registration?

ALL SALES ARE FINAL, and we do not allow refunds. You may transfer your registration to another participant. To access your RunSignup account to transfer your registration, click here.

Does the fun end at the finish line?

Of course not! Join us on Vesey Street for free food, drinks, and live entertainment at our post-run BBQ and Concert!

Where do I sign up to be a fundraiser or join a fundraising team?

You can sign up to become a fundraiser by registering for the NYC Run & Walk at nycrun.t2t.org. Then click CREATE YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE. Then decide if you want to join a team or start your own fundraiser.

Is there a fundraising minimum?

There is no minimum, but we encourage participants to raise funds to support our programs. Registration fees help offset some of the expenses of making the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC one of the country’s greatest annual events. Still, fundraising is essential for us to make a difference in the lives of so many in need.

What are the fundraising incentives?

How long do I have to fundraise for incentives?

When will my fundraising incentive arrive?

Your fundraising incentives will arrive by January following the event.

How long is the T2T Tower Climb at One World Trade Center?

How many steps are there?

There are a total of 2,226 steps to get to the 102nd floor.

Prohibited Items

Is there a bag check area provided?

Is the stairway the same width the whole distance of the climb?

Yes, the stairway is the same width throughout the whole distance of the climb.

Will hallways be included in the climb distance?

Yes, participants will have to pass through landings and a hallway on the 102nd floor to the finish.

What direction does the stairwell wind (to the left or to the right)?

The stairwell winds to the right.

Do I have to climb all the way to the 102nd floor in order to participate in the T2T Tower Climb?

Yes. Climbers must reasonably expect to be able to complete the climb.

Is there a limit to how many people can register?

How long does the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC take?

Elite Climbers may finish the 104-story climb in less than 15 minutes, while the average participant should take about 25-50 minutes to finish.

Is this a timed climb?

Yes. Timing chips will be attached to the back of your bib number and will record your finish time. The timing chip should remain affixed to the back of the bib. For security reasons, and in order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your bib is clearly visible on the FRONT of the torso. Do not fold or wrinkle your race bib or you risk breaking the timing chip. Make sure your bib is pinned in all four corners so the timing chip stays flat.

Can climbers stop on a landing to catch their breath?

Yes, but be aware that other participants are behind you, so please try to stay out of their way.

I might get tired and be unable to finish, what should I do?

There are only a few designated floors upon which someone can be removed from the stairwell by events staff. Therefore, prior to registering, you should have a reasonable expectation that you will be able to complete the climb. In the event you feel unable to finish, please report to a staff member.

I’m a first responder; can I wear my bunker/turnout gear, Scott Air Packs, etc.?

Unfortunately, due to security restrictions, participants will NOT be allowed to wear their bunker/turnout gear, Scott Air Packs, etc. during the event. Only basic athletic wear (i.e. shorts and a tee-shirt) is permitted. Please contactT2TClimb@T2T.orgif you have any questions.

What is an “Elite Climber”?

An Elite Climber is a competitive stair climber who routinely participates in stair climb events and can run up the stairs, completing the climb in a very fast time. Most participants are NOT considered Elite Climbers. The average participant will climb at a moderate pace and consider a 104-story climb to be more strenuous than their typical gym workout.

When can I pick up my registration packet (bib and t-shirt)?

What if I cannot pick up my packet during Packet Pick Up days?

Why am I being assigned a start time?

When will I receive my start time?

Start times will be emailed a few days prior to the event date from T2TClimb@T2T.org to the email you used to register for the event.

I want to climb with my team, family, or a group of friends. Will we be able to start the climb together?

Yes, but you must be part of a team in order to be assigned the same start time. Please make sure to indicate what team you are climbing with.

Are team members assigned the same start times?

Yes, team members will be assigned the same start time UNLESS a team member indicates that he or she is an elite climber while the rest of the team is not. All elite climbers will be assigned to the initial wave.

What time should I arrive at One World Trade Center?

How do I get to One World Trade Center?

We highly recommend that you take public transportation to the event.One World Trade Centeris located in lower Manhattan and is easily accessible by many subway lines. For directions and updated service advisories, please visitwww.mta.info.

Where should I enter One World Trade Center upon arrival?

All participants must report through the security checkpoint located on Barclay Street (between West & Greenwich Streets) and will be directed to the corral area with their assigned wave. Direct entry to the building is strictly prohibited.

Will there be water stations along the climb?

Yes. There will be a total of three water stations along the climb: two on designated landings in the stairwell (on floors 35 and 64), and also at the finish line on the 102nd floor.

Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line on the 102nd Floor?

NO. Due to space limitations and security restrictions, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family can wait for you at the post-race breakfast, held at Epicerie Boulud, in the Oculus; adjacent to One World Trade Center. Breakfast is free to Tower Climb participants wearing their bibs and available for purchase to all others.

Will I receive an event t-shirt?

Where can I find my results on event day?

Climbers will be able to search their results at the post-race breakfast, held at Epicerie Boulud, in the Oculus; adjacent to One World Trade Center. Results will also be posted the following day on theT2T.orgwebsite and will be emailed.

What is the entry fee for the T2T Tower Climb?

The entry fee for all climbers is $100.

Is there a fundraising minimum?

Yes, there is a mandatory $250 minimum fundraising requirement for all participants in addition to the entry fee.

Why is there a minimum fundraising requirement?

The goal of this event is to raise money to honor first responders and military heroes. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’sIn the Line of Duty Programwhich supports our nation’s military, first responders, and their families.

What happens if the event is canceled?

If the event is canceled, participants will be refunded their registration fee back to the card that was used at the time of purchase. All fundraising is a donation to the foundation and will not be returned.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 on the week of the event?

Participants who test positive and are no longer able to participate will receive a full refund of their entry fee. All fundraising is a donation to the foundation and will not be returned. To initiate a refund, please contact T2TClimb@T2T.org. Proof of positive test will be required.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes, participants in theT2T Tower Climbmust be at least 13 years old on the event day.

When is the deadline to register for the T2T Tower Climb?

Registration will close at midnight on Thursday, May 30th, or when capacity is reached.

When is the deadline to meet the $250 minimum fundraising requirement?

Each participant must meet the fundraising requirement by Sunday, May 19, 2024. Participants must agree to meet the minimum fundraising requirement in order to register. If the fundraising minimum is not met by this deadline, participants’ credit cards will be charged $250 or the difference, should a portion of the $250 minimum be raised.

What happens if I don’t meet the minimum fundraising requirement by May 19, 2024, and my credit card is declined during the automatic charging process?

A Tunnel to Towers staff member will contact you for valid credit card information by June 1. If we are unable to reach you or obtain payment prior to event day, you will not be able to participate. We encourage you to use a credit card valid through at least July 2024 when registering to avoid any complications.

Can I register without agreeing to meet the minimum fundraising requirement and without acknowledging that I know my credit card will be charged if I don’t raise at least $250?

No. You will not be able to complete your registration if you do not agree to meet the fundraising requirement and understand that your credit card will be charged if the $250 minimum is not met by May 19. Therefore, if you have registered, you have agreed to these terms. Please carefully read all of the terms and conditions as you are registering. All participants are responsible for reading what they agree to when registering.

Can I immediately make a donation of $250 in addition to paying the entry fee instead of fundraising to meet the minimum requirement?

Yes. Once you have completed your registration, you can make a donation of $250 on your individual team page. You’ll be all set to participate but we still encourage you to fundraise beyond the $250 since all proceeds benefit our first responders and military heroes!

Can I make a donation of less than $250 in addition to paying the entry fee when registering that will count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?

Yes. If you make a donation on your individual team page that is less than $250, you just have to raise the difference by the May 19th deadline. For instance, if you make an additional donation of $100 when you register, you’ll just have to raise $150 before May 19th or your credit card will automatically be charged the difference.

My company has a matching gift program. Can a matching gift count towards my minimum fundraising requirement?

Is any portion of my entry fee tax-deductible?

No. The entry fee helps cover the cost of producing the T2T Tower Climb and includes a participant t-shirt and entry up to the 102nd floor. This is why fundraising is so important! All donations made or raised above and beyond your entry fee are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Can I register friends or family members at the same time I register?

If I am no longer able to make it to the T2T Tower Climb after registering, can I get a refund or have someone else climb in my place?

No, participation is non-transferable and registration fees are non-refundable. Your registration fee will become a fully tax-deductible contribution. We appreciate your understanding.

How do I form a team?

Is there a limit on team size?

No – sign up as many teammates as you can!

How do I join a team?

Does each member of a team need to raise the $250 minimum?

Yes. Each team member is responsible for meeting his or her own $250 minimum fundraising requirement in addition to the $100 registration fee. All donations must be credited to an individual participant.

Can I pay for my whole team by company check?

Yes, a team can submit one check from its company for every team member’s registration fee. A company can choose to cover the minimum fundraising requirement for each team member as well, or hold each team member responsible for meeting the $250 minimum. The company will be invoiced for any minimum fundraising requirements that are not met by April 19, 2024, in order to allow for payment by the May 19, 2024 deadline.

How do we register our company team if paying by check?

We will provide the Team Captain with a code that he or she will need to provide to each team member, who will then enter it when registering online. No credit card information will be required. Please note that codes cannot be issued until payment is received, so you will need to confirm the number of team members in advance. We appreciate the extra effort and planning this requires. Please contactT2TClimb@T2T.orgif you plan to pay by company check.

Is there a fundraising minimum?

Yes. In order to ensure the fundraising success of this event, there is a minimum fundraising requirement of $250 for each participant. We encourage everyone to raise funds beyond the $250 requirement as the proceeds raised from this iconic event will benefit the Foundation’s programs honoring first responders and our nation’s catastrophically wounded service members. You could be eligible for some great fundraising incentives too! We know you can do it!

Can I still fundraise beyond the deadline for the minimum fundraising requirement?

What are the fundraising incentives?

When will my fundraising incentive arrive?