New York Commercial Real Estate & Contractors for Tunnel to Towers hosts sixth annual tribute in remembrance of 9/11

Manhattan, NY Twenty-five years after September 11, an extraordinary gathering took place high above the very ground where New York endured its darkest day. On October 15, more than a quarter-century of remembrance, resilience, and renewal came together on the 80^th floor of 3 World Trade Center, where the New York Commercial Real Estate & Contractors for Tunnel to Towers (T2T) hosted its sixth annual cocktail tribute. Against a panorama of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and a skyline forever changed by history, the evening brought together the city’s commercial real estate, construction, engineering, architecture, and building services industries. They came not simply to commemorate what was lost, but to celebrate what New York rebuilt and reaffirm their commitment to those who have sacrificed so much.

Hosted through the generosity of Silverstein Properties, the evening unfolded inside the World Trade Center Rebuilding Gallery, a collection chronicling the transformation of Lower Manhattan. Architectural models, historic photographs, original documents, construction artifacts, and deeply personal memorabilia tell the story of Larry Silverstein’s determination to rebuild the World Trade Center. Beyond the gallery’s windows, that story comes to life. The towers stand tall, the streets move with activity, and the city stretches toward the horizon, a testament to the vision, perseverance, and collective spirit that shaped one of America’s greatest comeback stories. For an audience whose professional lives are devoted to building New York, the connection was especially profound.

“It’s extraordinary for all of us to be here tonight, 25 years later,” said James Pirot, co-chair of NY CRE & Contractors for T2T. Reflecting on the significance of the surroundings, he continued, “This space is amazing. With a deep sense of gratitude, thank you Silverstein Properties for providing the most fitting backdrop for tonight’s event.”

The emotion of the evening was captured just as powerfully by Ret. FDNY Battalion commander Jack Oehm, whose words spoke to the defining spirit of the American response to September 11. “Twenty five years ago, America saw the worst in humanity. But America responded with the best of humanity.” That enduring contrast between tragedy and compassion, devastation and determination, was evident throughout the gathering. The audience represented industries that helped restore the city’s physical landscape, yet the evening was ultimately about something far greater than buildings. It was about the lives behind them, the heroes who never returned home, and the families whose sacrifices continue to shape our collective responsibility.

At the heart of the celebration was this year’s honoree, Frank Fortino, president and CEO of Metropolis Group, Inc., recognized for his dedication to first responders, veterans, and community service. Fortino’s remarks offered a reminder that New York’s recovery was as much a triumph of character as of construction. “New Yorkers came together. We rebuilt. We built with dignity, purpose and respect for those we lost.” He said, “God bless our first responders, our military, and our great city!” His words resonated in a room surrounded by the tangible evidence of that extraordinary accomplishment.

The evening’s generosity was equally remarkable. NY CRE & Contractors for T2T raised more than $500,000 this year, bringing the organization’s cumulative fundraising to more than $1.5 million in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Those contributions help advance a mission whose impact is measured not only in dollars, but in lives transformed. This year alone, the Foundation has paid off 243 mortgages and built 100 specially adapted smart homes, providing security, independence, and renewed hope to families of fallen heroes and injured veterans and first responders. Inspired by the sacrifice of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller on September 11, Tunnel to Towers continues to turn remembrance into meaningful action, ensuring that the nation’s gratitude extends far beyond ceremonies and anniversaries.

As the evening drew to a close, the symbolism of the setting was impossible to overlook. Far below, the September 11 Memorial preserved the memory of those who were lost. All around, the rebuilt World Trade Center and the city skyline stood as proof of what courage, determination, and unity can accomplish. In a year marking both the 25^th anniversary of September 11 and America’s 250^th birthday, the gathering offered a moving reminder that the strength of a city, and of a nation, is ultimately found in its people.

Eighty floors above history, New York’s builders came together to honor the past, care for those who carry its legacy, and demonstrate that the most meaningful way to remember is to continue giving back.

Article written by Aaron Twersky.