Fort Lauderdale, Patriot National Insurance Group to Host First Fort Lauderdale Tunnel to Towers Run to Commemorate 10th Anniversary of 9/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) July 27, 2011 -- FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (July 7, 2011) – Patriot National Insurance Group has announced they are bringing the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run – an event held annually in New York City to honor the 343 firefighters and first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 – to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 a.m. starting at Huizenga Park at the intersection of Las Olas & Andrews Avenue.

“We are proud to bring this special Run that honors those who lost their lives and continue to risk their lives every day for our country to Fort Lauderdale,” said Steven M. Mariano, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Patriot National Insurance Group.

All proceeds raised through this event will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

“The events of 9/11 had an effect on every American and many in South Florida who were directly impacted with the loss of loved ones,” said Cindy Campbell, Client Relations Manager for Patriot, who approached Mariano with this initiative. Campbell, a former employee of the Hollywood Police Department, was instrumental in working with the family of Alex Del Rio, a Hollywood police officer who was killed in the line of duty while trying to stop a speeding motorist, in establishing the Alex Del Rio Foundation. She remains an active, founding board member of this organization.

Started in 2002, the Tunnel to Towers Run recreates the final footsteps of firefighter Stephen Siller who was last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 75 pounds of gear strapped to his back en route to the World Trade Center after the attacks. The event, which was originally intended as a way for New Yorkers to honor the fallen heroes, has now become a yearly tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day and transcends the tragedy. Last year, more than 20,000 people attended and took part in the NY event. So far, more than 30 communities have signed up to hold a Tunnel to Towers Run in their own towns, with the goal of one run in 343 different cities across the nation.

“This event began as a way to honor Stephen and his firefighter brothers,” said Frank Siller, one of Stephen’s siblings and the chairman of the Foundation. “Over the years, through an influx of volunteers, donations and interest, it has continued to grow and evolve. It is now, without question, the one annual event that not only celebrates the lives of everyone who was lost that day, but provides a forum for remembrance of the past and a life-affirming event for the future.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to include the entire country in this moving and meaningful event,” said Siller.

Those interested in participating in the race can visit http://www.tunneltotowersfortlauderdale5k.com/ for more information and to register to race. Cost to register is $25 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About Stephen Siller

The Siller family, including Stephen’s wife, Sally, her children, his six siblings and numerous relatives, close friends, and volunteers have dedicated their hearts and souls to the run. “We’ve been moved by the kindness of friends and by those who have chosen to become part of his story,” said Russell. “So many people are helping us along the way, offering us untold amounts of emotional and financial support as we prepare for our tenth annual run.” Visit
www.TunneltoTowersRun.org for more information.

About Special Operations Warrior Foundation

Based in Tampa, Florida, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families. They provide overnight $2,000 financial grants to families of seriously-wounded special operations personnel, to enable them to be at their loved ones’ bedside. Since 2005, they have given out $1.2 million in $2,000 grants.


About Patriot National Insurance Group
Patriot National Insurance Group is an insurance holding company focused on workers' compensation insurance. Patriot National Insurance Group has two operating subsidiaries - Guarantee Insurance Company and Patriot Underwriters, Inc. For further information, please visit www.pnigroup.com.

5k run walk     fort lauderdale     Huizenga Park     Patriot National Insurance     september 11 attacks     special operations warrior     Stephen Siller     Tunnel to Towers Run