Got Heart, Give Hope Celebration: A Night to Give and Share Hope

Uniform Services University of Health Sciences Color Guard
Photos by P.J. Barbour

On Thursday, October 2, the Got Heart, Give Hope Celebration was held in Washington,D.C. at The Army and Navy Club.  It was a beautiful night with honorees and guest speakers that inspired everyone in the room.  In honor of our campaign this month to Give HOPE and Share HOPE, we highlight how many ways HOPE was given and shared in just one night.

SGT Eric Hunter and his wife Kenna

Give HOPE

• Many individuals donated to Hope For The Warriors through a direct donation or through auction items. 
• Corporate sponsors included Raycom Media, Altria Group, L3 Communications, Plaza Construction, and many more.
• Holding the event at The Army and Navy Club was made possible through the support of Holland & Knight.
• Several organizations talked about hosting future fundraising events for Hope For The Warriors.
• Photographer P.J. Barbour donated his time and services as a photographer for the event.

Singing the National Anthem

Share HOPE

• HOPE was shared by each honoree and guest speaker.  Honorees were: SFC Gary Everett, USA (Ret.), SPC Edward Heddinger, USA (Ret.), and Jeff and Maura Brodeur, Courageous Caregivers.
• Honoree 1LT Brian Donarski, USA (Ret.) could not attend because he was playing golf with former President George W. Bush.  However, he still inspired the room with his video, highlighting HOPE.
• Guest speakers led so many to be inspired.  Emcee, 1LT Edwin Salau, USA (Ret.); COL David W. Sutherland, USA (Ret.); and closing remarks from GEN Richard Cody, USA (Ret.).  We are so thankful for the support of these fine men.
• Many of you shared photos and your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter, letting your followers know about HOPE.
• Local 5th grader, Zara Karim, sang the National Anthem for all to properly honor our flag and our country.
• Medal of Honor recipient Col Barney Barnum, Jr., USMC (Ret.) presented his Challenge Coin to each honoree and to our young singer.  All were honored to meet this hero.
• And more!

COL David Sutherland, USA (Ret.), presents award to honoree, SPC Heddinger

Thank you to all that attend and support this year's Got Heart, Give Hope Celebration in Washington, D.C.  Visit www.gotheartgivehope.org to learn more about the final Celebration in Boston.

Staff Give Hope and Share Hope Everyday!