Nonprofit Tunnel to Towers pays off mortgage of Colorado Springs family and 49 others across the U.S.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two Colorado families, one in Colorado Springs and one in Castlerock, have their homes paid off in full thanks to generous donations this year.
The non-profit organization Tunnel to Towers aims to help families of fallen first responders and severely injured service members as well as Gold Star families by paying off their mortgage or providing smart homes to accommodate injuries. In total, 50 homes in 18 different states had their mortgages paid off Thursday morning in the largest single-day payoff in the organization's 20-year history.
In Colorado Springs, the Brodeur family had their home paid off. U.S. Air Force Maj. David Brodeur died in the line of duty in 2011 at the Kabul International Airport. Brodeur was an F-16 pilot who had been in Afghanistan for three months, and was a Colorado Springs native. He left behind his wife and two children.
The Seif family was also given the gift in Castle Rock. U.S. Marine Corps SSgt. Andrew Seif was killed in 2015 when a helicopter crashed during a training mission. Seif was 27 years old and a Castle Rock native. His wife and son were left behind.
Tunnel to Towers Board Member Jennifer Brekke said that although the money is going to the families, the real privilege is being able to give it.
"It is our honor to pay off their mortgage and really help these families in any way we can," Brekke said.
At the start of the year, the non-profit set a goal to pay off 200 homes, they are ending up being able to give 450 families the financial freedom of not having a mortgage payment.
Brekke said blowing their goal out of the water is all thanks to the generous donations of people who committed $11/month to the foundation in observance of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
"I think it really speaks to people saying how can I help? How can I make a difference in the lives of others? The outpouring has been amazing," Brekke said.
