The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is proud to announce its 2023 Conference with a Purpose fundraiser raised a total of $33,000 for the Robert Irvine Foundation. This brings the total funds raised by DCUC’s Conference with a Purpose to $433,000 since 2003.

The fundraiser was held for just four days during DCUC’s 60th Annual Conference and was a great success thanks to the generosity of DCUC members, guests, and sponsors. Erik Wahl, one DCUC’s conference keynote speakers, generously donated the artwork created during his Monday, August 7th presentation. This artwork was later presented during a live auction, contributing further funds to the Foundation's cause.

This year’s fundraiser also included an online Silent Auction, the popular 50/50 raffle, as well as mulligan and gimme string sales during DCUC’s Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament.

At the start of the conference, David Reid, Vice President of the Robert Irvine Foundation, led a welcome lunch for attendees, sharing more about the Foundation’s primary focus and what inspired him to join its mission of supporting our Nation’s veterans. At lunch, Reid recounted his experience as a former U.S. Army Ranger Regiment Team Leader. He described his path to recovery after sustaining severe injuries while clearing rooms in an enemy compound during one of his deployments in Afghanistan. Despite the loss of his lower left leg, Reid remained resilient and resolute through his journey to rehabilitation. Thereafter, Reid met Robert Irvine during a 54-mile hiking expedition, also known as the Cateran YOMP of the Scotland Highlands, where Irvine shared about his Foundation’s purpose and dedication to helping veterans through similar challenges.

Reid shared multiple real-life stories with attendees, illustrating the profound impact the Robert Irvine Foundation has had on veterans' lives. One memorable story was that of a combat-injured veteran who, thanks to the foundation's wellness programs, acquired an iBOT. This enabled him to achieve the heartwarming milestone of dancing with his wife once more.

Both Reid and Donna Cobb, Vice President of the Robert Irvine Foundation’s Corporate Development, shared what it meant to the Foundation to be chosen as this year’s DCUC Conference with a Purpose charity recipient.

“We really appreciate the collaborative atmosphere offered at DCUC’s Annual Conference, as well as credit unions’ dedication to our Nation’s military and veterans. This has been an incredible opportunity for us to advance the Foundation’s mission and continue making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.”

The Robert Irvine Foundation dedicates itself to giving back and supporting service members, veterans, Gold-Star families, first responders, and their families by offering diverse resiliency, health, and wellness programs, in addition to the financial support of top-rated military and first responder organizations. The Foundation continues to advance its programs and create additional resources to further support these communities’ evolving needs.

For more information about the Robert Irvine Foundation, please visit RobertIrvineFoundation.org and view the Foundation’s 2022 Impact Video.