Actor and director Steve Buscemi has officially kicked off the registration for the 2013 Tunnel To Towers (T2T) 5K Run & Walk series. The events, which benefit injured service heroes in both the military and first response units, will take place in Cincinnati; Columbia, S.C.; Fort Lauderdale; Mobile, Ala.; New York City; Nashville; Orlando; Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio; Savannah, Ga.; and Vero Beach, Fla. during September. Participants who register at www.T2Trun.org before June 1 will receive a $5 discount usingthe code EARLYBIRD.

Buscemi recently starred in a video encouraging participation in the events. “I can’t say enough about this tremendous
volunteer organization,” he said. “I’ve seen how their support has helped our first responders and military heroes, not to mention the ongoing support they provide for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. It’s an honor to be a part of the Stephen Siller T2T Foundation.” Before acting, Buscemi served with the Fire Department, City of New York as a member of Engine 55. The video (below) will run on television and online.

The proceeds from the T2T 5K Run & Walk events will benefit the most seriously injured service heroes including quadruple and triple amputees who have made extraordinary sacrifices. Participants in the events can create their own T2T profile pages, which highlight their stories and personal photos. They can also compete for prizes to raise the most funds and recruit the most friends.

Here’s more abut T2T:
The Tunnel To Towers Run first began in 2002 as a memorial to FDNY hero, father of five, Stephen Siller. On September 11, 2001, Stephen was on his way home from the night shift to play golf with his three older brothers. When he heard what was happening at the World Trade Center site, Stephen turned his car around and drove towards the site
of the attacks. With his truck stuck in panicked traffic outside the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Stephen courageously strapped on 60 lbs. of fire gear and ran approximately three miles from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. Stephen was last seen with his brothers of Squad 1, all of whom perished. In honor of Stephen and all those that lost their lives on September 11 and while serving, the Tunnel To Towers Run program champions our heroes “in the line of duty” – the first responders and United State military, ensuring that together “We will Never Forget.”

You can follow T2T on Twitter @Tunnel2Towers and on Facebook and YouTube.