TYSONS Va.–The PenFed Foundation said it raised a record amount of more than $2.5 million at its 14th Annual Night of Heroes Gala.
The funds will go toward programs that help veterans, active military members and their families secure their financial future, as PenFed Credit Union covers all expenses for the Foundation.
The more than $2.5 million includes $1.5 million from participants at its annual gala, one honoree’s surprise donation of $500,000, and a matching donation of $500,000.
Allied Solutions CEO Pete Hilger and his wife Debbie announced the surprise donation on behalf of Allied Solutions as they were honored with the Corporate Hero Award. PenFed Credit Union announced it would match the donation with an additional $500,000 for a combined donation of $1 million to the PenFed Foundation’s newly launched Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP).
Held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, the gala had nearly 600 attendees and included a unique gathering of remarkable guests and honorees who have made significant contributions supporting the brave men and women of the United States armed forces, PenFed said.
Sports Legends & Canine Companions
“Featured onstage were sports legends, generous philanthropists, canine companions, and a wounded warrior who has overcome two amputations and today helps countless other veterans in their recoveries,” according to the Foundation. “The evening showcased many ways the PenFed Foundation helps military members and their families find independence physically, emotionally and financially.”
The PenFed Foundation announced the first investment of proceeds from the gala: three grants totaling $150,000 for three organizations that train service dogs for veterans: the Animal Rescue Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, and Leashes of Valor.
“Right now, there are tens of thousands of men and women who have volunteered to serve our nation to protect the freedoms that make America the greatest country the world has ever known,” said PenFed CEO James Schenck. “Every year, we honor outstanding Americans who have come forward to help our nation’s defenders. Tonight’s roster of honorees continues to shine the light on the generosity and patriotism of some very special heroes.”
During the evening event, awards were presented to several honorees in recognition of their contributions to members of the U.S. armed forces and their families, including Tony La Russa, National Baseball Hall of Famer and co-founder of Animal Rescue Foundation and its flagship program, Pets and Vets. La Russa received the Community Honoree award for his service to military families by providing service dogs to veterans. Since 2011, the Pets and Vets program has trained over 600 rescue dogs to provide emotional support to veterans readjusting to civilian life.
Pete and Debbie Hilger received the Corporate Hero Award for their extraordinary contributions to the PenFed Foundation. Over the years, Allied and its employees have donated and helped to raise more than $3.5 million for the PenFed Foundation.
‘Allied Solutions a Proud Supporter’
“Allied Solutions has been proud to support the PenFed Foundation since we attended the very first Night of Heroes Gala in 2005,” said Pete Hilger. “Since then, we have seen the impact this wonderful organization has had improving the lives of thousands of veterans, their families and caregivers. Through its new Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program, the PenFed Foundation will provide the funds veterans need to start their own businesses and the network of support to succeed. We can’t think of a better way to expand our support of our nation’s defenders than through this program.”
U.S. Army Master Sgt. (Ret.) Cedric King was recognized as the Military Honoree for his distinguished service in Operation Enduring Freedom and his efforts to inspire other veterans after returning home as a double amputee.
“What would you pay for your freedom? There are so many places in the world where money cannot buy you freedom. I’ll say this, maybe every place in the world, money does not buy you freedom. But, sacrifice does, and this is what PenFed does for veterans,” said King.
Andrea McCarren, investigative reporter for Washington’s WUSA9, served as Master of Ceremonies.