Javascript Timer + PHP Array Variable from SQL Database

I've been struggling with this issue all day

 <script type="text/javascript">
       $(".getting-started")
       .countdown("2016/01/01", function(event) {
        $(this).text(
        event.strftime("%D days %H:%M:%S")
         );
      });
    </script>

Im using the above Javascript timer code for a simple and easy countdown for my project. However, when I attempt to do the following:

<script type="text/javascript">
       $(".getting-started")
       .countdown("*<?php SOME..VARIABLE ?>*", function(event) {
        $(this).text(
        event.strftime("%D days %H:%M:%S")
         );
      });
    </script>

To replace the countdown target date, the timer disappears. I'm also attempt to insert the php variable from an echo array script printed as a table and have each <td> list the corresponding countdown date by a unique identifier. Can some one please help?