FirstService Residential communities raise more than $56,000 in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11

DALLAS , Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Texas communities professionally managed by FirstService Residential marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by bringing residents, first responders and local partners together in remembrance, service and support for charitable causes. Continue Reading Participants at Pecan Square climbed 5,850 floors on stair climbers, the equivalent of 53 ascents of the World Trade Center. The event raised more than $16,000 for Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit that builds and modifies homes for injured veterans, first responders and their families. Events at Pecan Square in Northlake and The Austonian in downtown Austin raised more than $56,000 for organizations supporting first responders, veterans and their families. While each community observed the anniversary in its own way, both events shared a common purpose: honoring those lost on September 11, recognizing the sacrifices of first responders and strengthening community connections. "Twenty-five years later, September 11 continues to remind us of the courage of our first responders and the strength we find when communities come together," said Katie Ward, president of west region at FirstService Residential. "The residents, team members and partners who participated turned remembrance into meaningful support for people and families who have sacrificed so much. We are grateful to everyone who helped make these events possible." Pecan Square climbs in honor of first responders Pecan Square hosted the "25 Years of Remembrance, 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb" in its 22,000-square-foot arena. The day began with a moment of silence and commemorative ceremony before residents, first responders and guests participated in the stair climb throughout the day. The participants climbed 5,850 floors on stair climbers, the equivalent of 53 ascents of the World Trade Center. The event raised more than $16,000 for Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit that builds and modifies homes for injured veterans, first responders and their families. Developed by Hillwood Communities, Pecan Square is a 1,200-acre master-planned community in Northlake with approximately 5,000 residents. The event brought together residents from Pecan Square, Harvest and neighboring communities alongside local police, fire and emergency services personnel. Support from Hillwood Communities, FirstService Residential, Life Fitness, Primoris Electrical, Premier Lighting and other community partners helped make the event possible. "The impact of this event was measured in more than floors climbed or dollars raised," Katie said. "It was visible in every resident, first responder, volunteer and partner who showed up for one another. Seeing so many people come together to honor, remember and support others was a powerful reminder of what community is all about." The Austonian climbs 110 flights for local heroes At The Austonian, more than 250 residents and guests climbed 110 flights through the building's stairwell in tribute to the first responders who ascended the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. The event raised more than $40,000 for the 100 Club of Central Texas, which supports the families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Among those completing all 110 flights were Jose Depaz and Valentina Baez, members of The Austonian's facilities team and FirstService Residential who also serve in the U.S. Army Reserve. "In a high-rise community, neighbors can cross paths every day without truly connecting," said Susan Ward-Freeman, president of the high-rise division at FirstService Residential Texas. "What made this event so special was the way it brought people together around a shared purpose. Every step and every dollar raised represented gratitude and support for the first responders who serve our communities every day." Located at 200 Congress Ave. in the heart of downtown Austin, The Austonian is a 56-story residential tower known for its luxury residences and expansive resident amenities. Remembering through action Both events demonstrated the power of residents, community leaders and local organizations coming together in support of a shared cause. Together, participants climbed thousands of floors, raised more than $56,000 and paid tribute to the lives lost on September 11. Most importantly, they transformed remembrance into action, creating meaningful support for first responders, veterans and the families who continue to sacrifice in service to others. About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident. Leveraging unique expertise and scale, FirstService serves its clients with proven solutions and a service-first