Saturday gathering at Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew supports veterans, first responders and Gold Star families ahead of Sacramento 5K
FOLSOM — A national organization built around honoring the sacrifice of first responders and members of the military will bring its mission to Historic Folsom Saturday, as the community gathers for a Tunnel to Towers kickoff celebration at Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew.
The Tunnel to Towers Community Kick-Off Party takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew, 905 Leidesdorff St., Suite 100. Admission is free, and the afternoon is designed as a family-friendly gathering bringing together veterans, first responders, military families and members of the community.
The event is being held in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its Sacramento-area efforts, which culminate later this year with the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Sacramento.
Saturday’s Historic Folsom gathering will feature a firefighter-themed obstacle course, opportunities for photos with representatives from police, fire and the military, a vendor showcase and activities for children. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase during the event.
The gathering is presented with support from Hearts 4 Heroes USA and Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew and carries the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s familiar message, “Let Us Do Good,” while placing a local spotlight on the men and women whose service is at the heart of the organization’s mission.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation traces its beginnings to the story of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who was off duty when the United States came under attack on Sept. 11, 2001.
After learning of the attack on the World Trade Center, Siller returned to his firehouse, retrieved his gear and attempted to reach Lower Manhattan. With the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel closed to vehicles, he strapped approximately 60 pounds of gear to his back and ran through the tunnel toward the Twin Towers, where he ultimately lost his life.
The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Series was created to commemorate Siller’s final journey while honoring the first responders and others who died on Sept. 11, as well as military members and first responders who continue to make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty.
From that story grew the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization that today provides support to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders as well as families of fallen service members and first responders. The organization describes its work as carrying forward a legacy of courage and heroism born from the events of Sept. 11.
While the foundation is headquartered in Staten Island, New York, its work reaches communities across the country through regional events, fundraising efforts and volunteer teams. In the Sacramento region, that presence includes an active volunteer coordinator team and the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk.
Saturday’s Folsom event offers residents an opportunity to learn more about that work well ahead of this year’s Sacramento run while meeting local first responders, veterans, military representatives and organizations that support them.
Sacramento 5K returns in November
The 2026 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Sacramento is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, at William Land Park in Sacramento. The event begins at 9 a.m. near the corner of 14th Avenue and Freeport Boulevard.
The family-friendly course covers 3.1 miles through the park and may be completed as either a run or walk. The Sacramento event is timed, but its larger purpose remains centered on remembrance and support rather than competition. Participants will honor those who died on Sept. 11 while supporting first responders, military members and their families.
Registration is currently open for adults, military members and first responders, teenagers and children. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who want to assist with preparations or help on race day.
For those interested in the November event, registration and additional information are available through the official Tunnel to Towers Sacramento 5K page.
Saturday’s kickoff brings that national mission closer to home, giving the Folsom community an afternoon to connect with the people and organizations that serve others while helping build awareness for the Sacramento event still to come.
The Tunnel to Towers Community Kick-Off Party runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew, 905 Leidesdorff St., Suite 100, in Historic Folsom. Admission is free.
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