LAS VEGAS – September 15, 2021 – The Folded Flag Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) organization committed to honoring America’s fallen military service members by providing their families with financial support for education, recently raised over $1.1M during its annual Salute to Service Gala. The annual event recognizes the nation’s fallen heroes as well as those family members left behind, and proceeds will directly benefit those Gold Star spouses and children.
“This year marked twenty years since 9/11 and our Salute to Service Gala paid tribute to our nation’s brave men and women who fought in the War on Terror over the past two decades,” said Kim Frank, President, The Folded Flag Foundation. “While we celebrate the legacy of our fallen servicemen and women, we are forever grateful to support these Gold Star families by helping them find the pathway to educational success.”
The Salute to Service Gala took place on Thursday, September 9 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The gala’s keynote speakers featured Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Darling, USMC (Ret.), a member of the White House Military Office who was in the President’s underground Emergency Operations Center during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and a firsthand testimonial from Gold Star Spouse Lisa Hallett, who has directly benefited from Folded Flag’s commitment to assisting the educational pursuits of all three of her & her fallen husband’s children. The gala also received special appearances from NYPD Emerald Society and Columbia University’s Every Voice Choirs. Notable event attendees included the CEO of Dun & Bradstreet, the CEO of Paysafe as well as an executive chairman of NCR Corporation, to name a few.
In addition to the organization’s Salute to Service Gala, The New York Stock Exchange welcomed executives and guests of The Folded Flag Foundation on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, in celebration of all the Gold Star families the foundation serves. To honor the occasion, Nicole Fontenot, a Gold Star child and Folded Flag scholarship recipient, rang the Closing Bell.
The Folded Flag Foundation was formed in 2014 by Bill Foley, renowned businessman and owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, to supplement the current death benefits paid to families of fallen service members. Educational scholarships are granted for the fall and spring academic semesters, in addition to those applicants seeking assistance for summer school and summer-related activities. The Folded Flag Foundation has awarded 1,774 scholarships valued at nearly $11 million since its inception.
Select hi-res images from the 2021 Salute to Service Gala and the Closing Bell can be viewed here.
About The Folded Flag Foundation
The Folded Flag Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes by helping their families with the financial support for education. The Folded Flag Foundation proudly gives 100 percent of all public donations to the families. Corporate sponsors Black Knight, Inc., ServiceLink, Fidelity National Financial (FNF) and Fidelity National Investment Services (FIS) underwrite all administrative costs. For more information on The Folded Flag Foundation, including how to make a donation to support its cause, please visit: https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/.
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