Thursday Night Event Received Highest Attendance and Donations To Date

Stonington, Conn. – The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and well-being of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today the Foundation and its supporters gathered on November 14, 2019 to honor and celebrate the achievements of those serving in the Coast Guard’s Eighth District at the annual Houston Awards Dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas. With over 550 guests and local dignitaries in attendance, the event resulted in the highest level of donations in the history of the Houston Awards Dinner. During the gala, the Foundation honored Coast Guard members and spouses, and Coast Guard Auxiliary members from MSU (Marine Safety Unit) Texas City who answered the call to assist their fellow Coast Guard members and families during the partial government shutdown earlier this year; recognized long-standing supporter Phillips 66; and presented the Coast Guard Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award to Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.). As a tribute to Admiral Allen’s life of service, the Foundation has established the Admiral Thad Allen Guardian Fund Endowment, which will be used to fund the Foundation’s highest priority needs.

“I would like to give my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Admiral Thad Allen,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Your support has meant so much to this organization. Through your leadership and guidance, our partnership with the Coast Guard has never been stronger. Thank you for all you do for the Coast Guard Foundation.”

The Admiral Thad Allen Guardian Fund Endowment is an unrestricted endowment and will be used where it is needed most. The new endowment fund will provide the Foundation with the flexibility to fund programs and priorities in a new and exciting way. Growing the endowment fund over time will allow the Foundation the opportunity to guarantee support for projects like: scholarships, disaster relief, workforce development programs and full-mission support. 

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org.

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About The Coast Guard Foundation:
Since 1969, the Coast Guard Foundation has honored heroes, empowered families and supported those who protect our Nation as members of the United States Coast Guard. The Foundation provides college scholarships to enlisted members, their spouses and their children, scholarships and support for families of Coast Guard members lost in the line of duty, and support for morale programs, including funding recreation, exercise and family-oriented facilities. The Coast Guard Foundation is headquartered in Stonington, Connecticut, where it maintains a staff of 17, with regional offices in New Orleans, Boston, San Francisco, Washington DC, and St. Petersburg, Florida. To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org.