Sanibel team to take part in annual Tower Climb NYC
A group of islanders are raising funds to support first responders, military families and veterans.
For the third year in a row, Team Sanibel will take part in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s annual Tower Climb NYC on June 7 at the One World Trade Center in New York City, New York.
Originally made up of Vice Mayor John Henshaw and Florida Trust Wealth Management Sanibel President Jeff Muddell, their team has grown for the first time this year to include 13 more participants from the island, including Sanibel first responders, city staffers, and community and civic leaders.
Hosted by the foundation since 2015, the event celebrates the life and sacrifice of all 9/11 heroes, including New York City Fire Department Capt. William “Billy” Burke Jr. and firefighter Stephen Siller. Every year, over 1,000 participants climb 104 stories as a symbol of the strength, hope and resiliency of the American spirit.
“This climb is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown on that day,” Henshaw said. “It’s meaningful to see our Sanibel community come together to support the families and heroes who continue to sacrifice for our country.”
“The Tower Climb is just one of the many fundraising events that Tunnel to Towers has — it’s impactful,” Muddell added, noting that they are excited to raise awareness for the foundation and that the awareness is now growing on Sanibel. “So that no one will forget 9/11 and what happened.”
The event proceeds support the foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to fallen first responders and Gold Star families with young children and builds smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, in addition to working to eradicate veteran homelessness.
“What started with just the two of us has now expanded into a true community team,” Muddell said. “Sanibel has always stepped up when it matters, and we hope to raise even more this year to support the important work of the foundation.”
“It’s a great cause — there’s nothing more important than making sure our first responders are taken care of,” Henshaw added. “The significant part about this year is that it is the 25th anniversary.”
As head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 2001-04 under former President George W. Bush, Henshaw helped oversee the government response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It played a critical role in monitoring disaster rescue workers’ exposures to dangerous toxins while toiling among the World Trade Center building debris.
Muddell is a native of Clifton, New Jersey — 13 miles west of the World Trade Center. While he was already residing in Florida when 9/11 occurred, he vividly recalls the 1993 bombing on the World Trade Center, and Muddell knows many friends and families affected by the Sept. 11 attack.
In addition to Muddell and Henshaw, this year’s Team Sanibel includes: Police Chief Bill Dalton, Sgt. Matt Casola and Officer Chris Chiappy; Fire Chief Kevin Barbot and firefighters Robert Bell and Arian Moore; Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Steve Chaipel, City Attorney John Agnew, City Public Information Officer Eric Jackson, and retired police chief for Bedford, New York, and city tradesworker Chris Menzel; and dentist Dr. Toniann Conte, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Chief Executive Officer James Evans, and philanthropist Bill Harkey.
“I’m really proud that they are going to join us — to sort of appreciate what all of us are thinking about supporting the first responders of 9/11 and what they are doing,” Henshaw said. “I’m excited to see them see how much we appreciate what they’re doing for us every day.”
“The city of Sanibel has been great. It’s a great group — they are very excited to take part,” Muddell added, noting that the team will stand alongside Sept. 11 families, first responders and families of first responders who passed away. “I’ve done these charity events and fundraisers and 5Ks and 10Ks, and this one is just so special.”
Since several on the Sanibel Team have never been to New York City, let alone Ground Zero, they have more than just the climb planned. They hope to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. There will be a group dinner the night before, with a trip up to the One World Observatory’s observation deck.
After the event, their team will join many others to celebrate at O’Hara’s Restaurant and Pub — the pub known as the place to remember 9/11. It is located two blocks from the World Trade Center and next door to Firehouse Engine Company 10 and Ladder Company 10, which was the first station to respond to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
As of last week, Team Sanibel had surpassed its fundraising goal of $40,000.
In addition, it was the third top fundraising team and Conte was the top individual fundraiser.
“We are very grateful for the support,” Muddell said. “We’re really appreciative of everybody in the community who believes in this organization and what they are doing.”
Donations are accepted through June.
To donate to Team Sanibel or for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/teamsanibel2026.
“I don’t know of any other nationwide cause that could touch so many people, so many first responders,” Henshaw said. “I hope others see the value that Tunnel to Towers is providing — what it’s doing for our country, our first responders, Gold Star families, veterans. It’s a great charity.”
“After 9/11 we understood the importance of our first responders. They’re sacrificing themselves, and their families are sacrificing, for our benefit,” he added. “It’s a great way to show them that we care and thank them every day for their service.”
For more information about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit https://t2t.org/.