11th Annual Night of Heroes Gala Raises Over $1 Million for PenFed Foundation, a Record-Breaking Year

Event brought together military community to honor notable leaders of our armed forces

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May 21, 2015, 03:25 ET

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation) announced today that it raised over $1 million at this year's 11th Annual Night of Heroes Gala, "Building the Future. Honoring the Past," making it another record-breaking year. The event, which was held on Thursday, May 14, at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., honored those who lead the way in serving our nation's defenders, including a special tribute to those who served during the Vietnam era.

"We are grateful for our generous donors and the community-at-large for making this year's gala such a huge success," said Jane Whitfield, president and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. "This kind of continued support is a real testament to the Foundation, our focus on financial literacy, and the work we do with the military community to ensure they have a strong and stable future."

At the gala, General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret), 32nd chief of staff of the U.S. Army and president and CEO of the Association of the United States Army, received the Military Hero Award. Elizabeth Dole, former senator from North Carolina and founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, received the Community Hero Award. Betty Easley, the wife and caregiver of U.S. Army veteran Greg Easley, received the Hero at Home Award.

Other notable attendees included awards presenters General George W. Casey, Jr., USA (Ret), 36th chief staff of the U.S. Army, and R. James Nicholson, former secretary of veterans affairs. Jake Tapper, anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN, served as the master of ceremonies, and Miss D.C. Teresa Davis made a special appearance. The evening included a special message from First Lady Michelle Obama, read by Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald gave a riveting tribute to those who served during the Vietnam era, which received a standing ovation, and the evening's program also featured a congratulatory video by former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"Our nation's defenders deserve this level of community support," added Whitfield. "We are honored to continue serving those who worked so selflessly to defend our freedom and protect our nation."

Sponsors of this year's gala included Event Underwriters PSCU and Lee & Penny Anderson; Corporate Circle of Honor Sponsor The Niner Foundation; and Legendary Hero Sponsors Allied Solutions, HMS Home Warranty, Leidos, TitleClose, and TrueCar, Inc.

About the PenFed Foundation
Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to helping members of our military community secure their financial future. It provides service members, veterans, their families and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, credit-building, home ownership, and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides.

To learn more, visit: www.penfedfoundation.org.

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SOURCE PenFed Foundation