In Memory of 15th Anniversary of September 11, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Begun in Honor of Fallen 9/11 Firefighter, In Partnership with SCOUT Advertising, Unveils "Stand Tall" Campaign
Goal of Campaign, With Heartfelt Message from Marine Injured in IED Explosion, Is to Inspire 1 Million People to Donate $11 Each To Aid First Responders and the Military
ATLANTA, Sept. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinciding with this September's 15th anniversary of 9/11, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is launching a new "Stand Tall" ad campaign designed to provide much-needed help to first responders and service members, and their families in times of crisis.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to advocate for, support and recognize America's first responders and military in honor of the life and legacy of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on 9/11.
Since its inception, the Foundation has helped thousands of families by providing both monetary and emotional support—including the building of 56 high-tech "smart homes" with features like thermostats, automated lighting solutions, key-less entry, security, and entertainment that can be controlled via an iPad, for catastrophically injured service members--as well as providing financial support to families of fallen heroes.
"So many of our military and first responders, including firefighters and police, have given up their life and limb since 9/11," said Frank Siller, Chairman of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "As a grass-roots foundation, born from the sacrifice of my brother and so many others, we want to make sure to always remember what happened on 9/11 and to honor them by doing good. And that's why we're launching a new campaign this September—to allow us to all 'Stand Tall' and make a difference in these heroes' lives."
Created by SCOUT, a full-service advertising agency with offices in Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego, the campaign features injured veterans like Marine Corporal Tony Porta, who survived a roadside bomb in Iraq and burns over 82 percent of his body. Through the efforts of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation—and with the help of generous donations—Porta has received a customized "smart home" in Lovettsville, VA with features designed to maximize his independence.
The :30 spot, :70 video and print ad ask people to "Stand Tall"—like these heroes have for us—by donating $11 dollars to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The goal is to motivate 1 million people to go to tunnel2towers.org and contribute $11 to help first responders and military.
Link to download :30 spot, :70 video and print ad.
That money will be utilized by the Foundation in a number of ways—from building additional "smart homes" for catastrophically injured service members to meeting the financial and/or housing challenges faced by the families of slain police officers—as the Foundation did in New York and, more recently, in Dallas—to enabling the organization to sustain and grow its programs.
Recently, in recognition of its sound fiscal practices and transparency, Charity Navigator awarded the Foundation its highest 4-star rating. This was the second consecutive year it has received that distinction. Additionally, it was applauded for utilizing 93.2 cents on every dollar spent for the purpose it was intended.
"When we learned about the Stephen Siller organization we were so inspired by all they've done and the bravery that they stand for, we knew we had to get involved," said SCOUT CEO and co-founder Jennifer Brekke. "We are honored to partner with this incredible organization and to use our talent and time to help injured vets and first responders. It's the least we can do for these brave heroes who protect our freedom and make such enormous sacrifices."
The inspiration for the "Stand Tall" campaign came from heroes like Stephen Siller and all the service members and first responders who have served since 9/11.
"Now, 15 years later, there are a lot of people who are aware of 9/11 but have never had the inspiration or motivation to contribute something to honor the brave who died that day. While we'll never forget, it's time to move forward," said Bob Costanza, SCOUT Chief Creative Officer and co-founder. "Through this campaign we want to inspire every American to take the example of these heroes to heart. Because if we all 'Stand Tall' for each other, there will always be someone to catch us when we fall."
About Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation:
The Siller family started the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor the memory of their brother, a New York City firefighter (FDNY). Stephen, who was off-duty when the first plane hit on 9/11, eventually lost his life after running through a blocked-off Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers carrying over 60 pounds of his firefighting gear. The goal of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to continue Stephen's legacy by supporting our nation's first responders and service members. Building for America's Bravest, a program of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, constructs specially adapted "smart homes" for our most catastrophically injured service members. Learn more at tunnel2towers.org.
About SCOUT:
Independently owned and operated for over 16 years, SCOUT is a full-service integrated agency with three offices across the United States – in Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego. Serving clients in consumer/B2B and healthcare, SCOUT brings leading companies bold, brave thinking that creates value for its clients' brands. Learn more at www.findscout.com.
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s1pHZsKKVQ
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160323/347246LOGO
SOURCE SCOUT
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