Twelve‑year‑old Edward “EJ” Mullally is setting his sights on raising more than $4,000 for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation this year — his most ambitious goal yet as he prepares for his fourth consecutive Run/Walk.

Mullally, a first‑year member of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department Junior Program, said his motivation comes from his community and from his mother, a volunteer firefighter.

“I love supporting my community,” he said. “My mom was in the fire department, so she inspired me to do it.”

He first walked in the Tunnel to Towers event in 2023, raising $585. After participating again in 2024 without fundraising, he returned last year determined to make a bigger impact — ultimately bringing in $2,500 and finishing as the second‑highest fundraiser on the Westhampton Beach Fire Department team. This year, he hopes to surpass $4,000.

“Last year my goal was $2,500,” he said. “So now I just want to beat that.”

Mullally said the fire department feels like a “second family,” and the Run/Walk has become a meaningful tradition.

“It’s just fun to do it,” he said. “I want to give back to the community.”

His mother, Maria Mullally, said volunteering has always been part of their family’s life. She first explained to EJ the story of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in full gear on 9/11.

“The beautiful thing about doing the Tunnel to Towers 5K is you’re mirroring the walk that he did,” she said. “It had an impact on him that he wants to keep doing every year.”

This year’s fundraising carries added significance as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. Mullally and his mother have been posting flyers, sharing a QR code, and spreading the word everywhere they go — even at doctor appointments.

“He’s not doing things selfishly,” she said. “He’s trying to give back… and I’m just so, so proud of him.”

The Westhampton Beach Chamber of Commerce is also supporting Mullally’s efforts, allowing him to fundraise at the Westhampton Beach Farmers Market, where he will be on Saturday, July 11, sharing photos from past events and encouraging donations.

If you would like to contribute to Mullally’s fundraiser, click here.