What began as two Sanibel residents climbing for a cause has grown into a broader community effort.
This June, a team of Sanibel civic leaders, first responders and community members will travel to New York City as Team Sanibel to participate in the Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb NYC, a fundraiser supporting the mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Participants will climb 104 stories inside One World Trade Center, symbolically retracing the path firefighters took on September 11, 2001. Funds raised support programs that provide mortgage-free homes to fallen first responders and Gold Star families with young children, and build smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, in addition to working to eradicate veteran homelessness.
Sanibel residents John Henshaw and Jeff Muddell launched Team Sanibel two years ago and have already raised nearly $30,000 for the cause.
Henshaw, a Sanibel City Councilman and former head of OSHA, was actively involved in the recovery and cleanup operations at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks.
“This climb is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown on that day,” Henshaw said. “It’s meaningful to see our Sanibel community come together to support the families and heroes who continue to sacrifice for our country.”
Muddell, Sanibel-Captiva president of Florida Trust Wealth Management, said the effort has grown significantly this year. “What started with just the two of us has now expanded into a true community team,” he said. “Sanibel has always stepped up when it matters, and we hope to raise even more this year to support the important work of the foundation.”
The 2026 Team Sanibel roster now includes community leaders from city government, conservation, healthcare and local public safety agencies, all of whom are volunteering their time and money to take part in the effort.
This year’s team includes a broad cross-section of Sanibel leadership, many of whom are also veterans:
Community & Civic Leaders
- John Henshaw, Sanibel City Councilman and former OSHA administrator
- Jeff Muddell, President of Florida Trust Wealth Management
- Toniann Conte, Sanibel resident and dentist
- James Evans, CEO of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
- Bill Harkey, Sanibel philanthropist
City of Sanibel
- John Agnew, City Attorney
- Steve Chaipel, Deputy City Manager and CFO
- Eric Jackson, Public Information Officer
- Chris Menzel, Tradesworker and Retired Police Chief, Bedford, NY
Sanibel Police Department
- William Dalton, Chief of Police
- Matt Casola, Sergeant
- Chris Chiappy, Officer
Sanibel Fire & Rescue
- Kevin Barbot, Fire Chief
- Arian Moore, Firefighter
- Robert Bell, Firefighter
Organizers say the expanded team will help grow the fundraising effort while demonstrating Sanibel’s continued commitment to honoring the sacrifices of first responders and military families.
With a larger team and strong community backing, Team Sanibel hopes to surpass its previous fundraising totals while continuing to represent the island in one of the nation’s most meaningful charitable events in New York City this June.
To support Team Sanibel’s Tunnel to Towers Foundation fundraising effort, visit the team’s fundraising page here: https://runsignup.com/teamsanibel2026
