Thank You First Responder Hosts Community for 25th Anniversary 9/11 Event

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2026
Contact: Thank You First Responder PR
(954)762-7000 | Media@ThankYouFirstResponder.org
@ThankYouFirstResponder

 

Thank You First Responder Hosts Community for 25th Anniversary 9/11 Event

Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca to deliver Keynote Address at 9/11 “Never Forget Event” Opening Ceremony

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – September 2, 2026 – Thank You First Responder Organization (TYFRO) invites the community to the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Never Forget Event on Friday, September 11, 2026. Serving as the official opening ceremony for the Las Olas Wellness Weekend, the commemoration takes place inside the Flow Breezeway, adjacent to the Riverwalk 9/11 Monument.

Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca will serve as keynote speaker. Additional remarks will be delivered by Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia, Florida State Senator Bryan Avila, WhiteFlag App CEO Jonny McCoy, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner John Herbst, and TYFRO Co-Founder Stanton Smith.

“Serving as Keynote Speaker for this 25th Anniversary event is a sacred honor,” said Representative Chip LaMarca. “We gather to preserve the memory of our fallen heroes and ensure active-duty first responders know South Florida stands firmly behind them.”

“Twenty-five years later, our promise remains unchanged: We Will Never Forget,” added TYFRO Co-Founder Stanton Smith. “This event passes vital history to the next generation while providing crucial mental health support for our heroes.”

The remembrance event and recognition of First Responders will include:

• Educational outreach by TYFRO partner WhiteFlag App, a free and anonymous 24/7 mental health peer-support platform recently featured on CBS Good Morning America.
• A free leadership course from the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, designed for first responders and service-disabled veterans.

Part of the Las Olas Wellness Weekend Running from September 10–13, 2026, this 4-day community celebration features benefit performances, fitness activations with Stryde Run Club, and riverfront Miami Dolphins watch parties bringing Fort Lauderdale together in health and gratitude.

Las Olas Wellness Weekend Schedule

Friday, Sept 11 (Commemoration & Ceremony):

• • 6:00 PM: Registration & Community Gathering
  • 7:00 PM: Official Commemoration Ceremony & Remarks
  • 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Official After-Event @ The Wharf Fort Lauderdale

Saturday, Sept 12 (Stryde Social Community Run/Walk & Pool Party):

• • Morning: TYFRO partners with Flow and Stryde Social for a morning of movement and connection. Participants are invited to wear patriotic colors (singles in red/white, couples in blue).
  • Afternoon: Flow Pool Party takeover featuring wellness activities, community health resources, and exclusive access.

Location: Flow Breezeway (221 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301).

Admission: FREE for all First Responders. General attendees can register online or purchase a $100 VIP Experience, which includes reserved seating, After Party access at The Wharf, and Saturday Flow pool deck and restaurant access. Proceeds support TYFRO’s mental health initiatives.

To RSVP or make a donation to receive a VIP Experience use the button below or call (954) 762-7000.

Donate to Upgrade to VIP Experience

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities Available

Sponsors and exhibitors can connect with an engaged audience at the 25th Anniversary 911 Never Forget Event and Las Olas Wellness Weekend. For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, contact Stanton Smith at 954.762.7000 or email Sponsor@ThankYouFirstResponder.org.

Current event sponsors and partners include Flow Life, Tin Roof, The Wharf, Stryde Social, Rick and Flo Celender, Ukiah Restaurant, WhiteFlag APP, John Maxwell Foundation.

 

About Thank You First Responder
Thank You First Responder (TYFRO) is a national grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014, dedicated to honor the commitment and sacrifice of First Responders through community events, support programs and advocacy. Founded by passionate leaders and supporters of First Responders and their families, TYFRO strives to create a “Culture of Thank You” and empower those who protect our communities every day. Watch our Official Music Video. For more information, please visit ThankYouFirstResponder.org. Nonprofit Tax ID #47-2886226. #ThankYouFirstResponder #CultureOfThankYou #TYFRO #LocalHeroes #NeverForgetEvent #LasOlasWellnessWeekend

About Flow
Flow is a residential real estate and technology innovator nurturing connected communities across its $2.5 billion portfolio of premier living spaces.

About Stryde Social
Stryde Social is a premier South Florida wellness run club building community through fitness, connection, and social events.