Crash Proof Retirement Makes Historic $400,000 Donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation

 

King of Prussia, PA — 03/20/24 — Phil Cannella, Joann Small, and the entire Crash Proof Retirement® team are proud to announce their largest donation in company history of $400,000 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This generous donation is the latest demonstration of Crash Proof Retirement®’s enduring commitment to supporting community heroes: veterans, first responders, and the families of fallen police officers. 

 

 

The donation ceremony took place on March 20th, 2024 at the Crash Proof Retirement® headquarters in King of Prussia, PA, honoring the legacy of Sergeant Chris Fitzgerald of the Temple University Police Department, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Marissa and Pauline Fitzgerald, the widow and mother of Sgt. Fitzgerald attended the ceremony, alongside Frank Siller, Chairman & CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Also in attendance were representatives from the Philadelphia Police Union, John Herbert and John Ruane, and SILAC Insurance Company executives – President & CMO, Dan Acker, Vice

President, Richard Morrow, Vice President of Operations, Kylie Gormly, Vice President of Sales, and Beau Trudeau. 

 

 

“The immense bravery and sacrifice of our police officers, like Sgt. Fitzgerald inspires us all. This donation, which marks the largest in our company’s history, reflects our deep commitment to giving back to those who have given everything for our safety and freedom,” said Phil Cannella, founder of Crash Proof Retirement®. 

 

 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is renowned for its mission to provide mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders, veterans, and their families. Frank Siller, whose own brother lost his life during 9/11, eloquently reiterated the organization’s promise:

“This is the promise that Tunnel to Towers has made, that if you go to protect our country or our community and you give your wife and your kids a kiss goodbye. When you don’t come home, we’re going to take care of your family that’s left behind, just like Officer Fitzgerald did when he went out, protected his community, and gave his life.”

 

 

Sergeant Fitzgerald’s dream was to move his young family to a safer neighborhood, free from the fear and violence in the city. Tunnel to Towers, as part of their Fallen First Responders Home Program, made his dream a reality by donating a mortgage-free home outside the city to Marissa and her children. 

 

 

The ceremony was deeply heartwarming, with touching tributes to Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald and his heroism and dedication to public safety. Marissa, reflected on the impact of Crash Proof®’s donation: “ [The donation] put a smile on my face and it warmed my heart. It says how humble and how caring they are because they’re helping families like ours.”

Pauline also shared her appreciation for donations like Crash Proof®’s: “It’s peace of mind knowing that while we’re still grieving that we don’t have the financial burden. And my family doesn’t have to worry about the financial burden for the children. So we’re so thankful, and we’re so blessed, and we really appreciate it so much.” 

 

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Frank Siller concluded, “To everyone at Crash Proof Retirement®, I can’t thank you enough. You are changing many people’s lives. Your commitment to this cause ensures that we can continue to honor and fulfill our promises to the families of those who do not return home.” 

Crash Proof Retirement® continues to weave threads of hope through its charitable initiatives and this donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation stands out as a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to support those who serve and protect our communities. 

To learn more about how you can support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and join Crash Proof Retirement in their efforts to honor and assist our nation’s heroes, please visit t2t.org. 

For more information on Crash Proof Retirement’s philanthropic efforts and to see their impact over nearly two decades throughout the Philadelphia region, visit our charity page. 

Event Photo Gallery: