Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - On Monday, August 3, 2015, representatives from the Stephen Siller “Tunnel to Towers” foundation will visit Dulmes Decor Carpet One in Sheboygan, for a worthy cause. Owner Gary Dulmes is teaming up with the foundation to raise money for the foundation’s Building for America’s Bravest program. The program provides adaptive smart homes that are uniquely built and wired for the convenience of wounded military veterans.
In particular, the homes are designed to meet the needs of soldiers who return home from war, suffering from catastrophic injuries. Dulmes Decor Carpet is hoping to raise enough funds to build at least two such homes for the nation’s heroes, and are seeking donations of $10 or more from citizens who share in this noble cause.
According to Dulmes, an adaptive smart home integrates basic home functionality with smart devices which can be used to operate the home’s features. One example would be using an Apple iPad to remotely open or close cabinets, or to lower the cabinets to the user’s level.
Sheboygan Mayor, Mike Vandersteen says Dulmes’ efforts come as no surprise to him, “it doesn’t surprise me because Gary Dulmes has been a great contributor to this community. He served for many years as our Sheboygan Development Corporation president, economic and development president, and he just does a lot of great things for the community - and this business is just one more example of that.”
The Tunnel to Towers organization sprang up as tribute to fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, who was among the first responders killed during the 9-11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Stiller was actually off duty that day - having worked the night before. But he ran on foot to the twin towers to assist his fellow firefighters.
Gary Dulmes has been a supporter of the foundation over the years, and the organization intends to show its gratitude by presenting Dulmes with a specially designed shadowbox which contains hallowed 9-11 steel memorabilia from what is respectively known as Ground Zero.
“What will happen on Monday is we will have a retired firefighter from the New York fire Department, Ray Thomas in town. Thomas was on duty when the September 11 attacks occurred. Every one of his men from Ladder 118 were lost from that event,” Dulmes says.
Thomas will present the Shadowbox and help to launch the Building for America’s Bravest fundraiser. The event takes place from 12 noon until 1pm at Dulmes Decor Carpet. The facility is located at 1901 South 8th Street. For more information about Dulmes Carpet Décor, including directions, click here.