Certified CenterCircle BMW is celebrating a record-breaking year of charitable giving – totaling over $100,000. Since their founding in 1980, Circle BMW has been committed to active participation and support of the communities in which they serve. As a member of the business community, Circle BMW's generous support of numerous non-profit organizations has benefited families throughout Monmouth and Ocean County. In the past, they have worked with more than 40 different local, regional, and national organizations, associations, non-profits, and charitable organizations supporting autism, breast cancer awareness, feeding the hungry, and veterans. With nearly $1 million donated to local charities over the last 10 years, Circle BMW's commitment to the community is a priority.
As a strong supporter of the U.S. Military, its veterans, law enforcement, and first responders, Circle BMW Founder and President Tom DeFelice, regularly gives back to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the organizations who help men and women who serve or served our country and/or our community. Recently Circle BMW donated $10,000 to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “The primary mission of the Foundation is to provide a mortgage-free home to surviving military and first responder spouses with young children. Additionally, the Foundation raises funds and builds smart homes that enable the most catastrophically injured veterans to live more independent lives. Providing security and stability in the wake of tragedy is not only admirable but a lasting tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said DeFelice.
Every year the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation achieves the highest rating, four stars, from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to their programs and those who need them most.
“Supporting organizations such as The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is one small way that we can show our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who serve our country, their families, and the sacrifices they endure to ensure our safety and freedom.” DeFelice added, “Circle BMW is proud to lend support to this inaugural fundraiser and incredibly worthwhile organization.”
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to honor the life of Stephen Siller, a member of the New York Fire Department assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad One, who lost his life on September 11, 2001, helping others. On that fateful day, Siller had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, he called his wife, Sally, and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad One to get his gear and then drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, Stephen strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Towers where he gave his life saving others. Stephen was only 34 years old and left behind his wife, five children, a devoted extended family, and many friends.
Honor the sacrifices of those who protect our community and country by supporting this organization. If you would like to become a donor, volunteer, or sponsor, please reach out to info@t2t.org.