TYSONS Va.– PenFed Credit Union, along with Gary Sinise Foundation and their official airline partner American Airlines, hosted a benefit featuring the first-ever concert in Puerto Rico by Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band. The concert raised national awareness of Puerto Rico’s ongoing hurricane recovery needs and delivered a night of relief and entertainment for survivors on the island.
“Nearly six months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, hundreds of thousands of people remain without power, and nearly 10,000 small businesses are still closed. Over 30% of the population is still in need. Military service members and community members still need our help. As Americans, we must stand together,” said James Schenck, president and CEO of PenFed Credit Union. “PenFed hosted this incredible concert to show the community in Puerto Rico that their fellow Americans have not forgotten them. It’s an honor to show our appreciation for the resilient people of Puerto Rico who have suffered so much and those who continue to help rebuild the island. PenFed remains committed to supporting the restoration of Puerto Rico. We hope other businesses across America will do the same.”
After delivering relief packages to San Juan and Guaynabo during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria last year, Schenck asked Sinise to perform a benefit concert. “I said what the community needs in Puerto Rico is a concert to lift up their spirits. Without hesitation, Gary said ‘I’ll do it!’”
“It was a great pleasure to visit Ft. Buchanan to play for service members and the people of Puerto Rico. The people are amazing and it’s important to me to let them know we appreciate them and will not forget about them and what they continue to go through,” said Sinise. “While there is still so much to do, Puerto Rico is strong and Puerto Rico will be back. I thank our pals at PenFed for their support of the concert as well as American Airlines and Envoy for getting my band and I there.”
People from across the island attended the free concert on March 2 at Fort Buchanan including FEMA workers, Puerto Rico residents, members of the military, government officials and many others. PenFed’s Facebook Live streaming of the concert brought in nearly 20,000 views. Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band, which is a proud program of the Gary Sinise Foundation, played a two-and-a-half hour set for the crowd. Sinise and Schenck toured Ft. Buchanan and met with military personnel during their visit.
The concert was made possible by a $100,000 donation from PenFed Credit Union to the Gary Sinise Foundation to sponsor the Lt. Dan Band. American Airlines and Envoy transported the band to Puerto Rico, and gave away 150,000 AAdvantage Miles split among two of the concert goers.
PenFed currently operates three branches in Puerto Rico: one on the United States Army Garrison of Ft. Buchanan and two in San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo. PenFed will construct a fourth branch in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, this year.
A video of the event can be seen here.