Got Heart Give Hope Gala

In 2010, Hope For The Warriors established their annual Gala to commemorate our combat wounded service members, veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen. This Gala was to focus on the hope these men and women inspire through their remarkable stories of recovery and achievement. Now, with our 13^th annual Got Heart Give Hope Gala and The Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Awards, we continue the tradition of honoring outstanding examples of selfless acts of service.

That same inaugural year, STUDIOetc generously donated their time to create the beautiful Got Heart Give Hope logo. STUDIOetc brilliantly illustrates the Hope For The Warriors mission and depicts our dedication to the individual, the family, and the community – also portraying Purple Heart recipients and wounded service members. It incorporates the ribbon, a traditional symbol of support, and the heart, which evokes the Got Heart Give Hope theme for the evening.

Since 2010, the Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Awards have been presented to service members and military families who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Each honoree is an outstanding example of service to our nation.

On September 11, 2014, Hope For The Warriors announced that the award would be named in honor of a very special family.  Captain John Vigiano, Sr. retired FDNY, and his wife Jan, gave both of their sons on 9/11-one who served as a fire fighter and the other as a police officer in New York City.  The Vigiano family has long served their country and their community.  John served five years in the Marine Corps and then 36 years in the FDNY, becoming one of the most highly decorated fire fighters in NYC.  After the tragedy of 9/11, the family continues to serve by supporting service members and military families.  John visited troops in Iraq to personally thank them for their courage and sat at their bedside in medical centers to encourage their recovery.  John joined Hope For The Warriors as an Honorary Board Member in 2006 and Jan continues to shine with strength and wisdom for her family.

Over the years there have been many Vigiano Family Hope & Courage Award recipients, to learn more about them and their stories visit our Award Honorees page.

Hope For The Warriors’ success — providing over 12,000 services to the warrior community each year — is not possible without our volunteers and partners in mission. For the first time this year, in celebration of our 10^th gala and embracing the spirit of John Vigiano’s legacy, we’ve introduced the following awards to highlight individuals, corporations and organizations who have stood beside us since the early days and continue to stand with us. Just like John Vigiano, each of these recipients understand serving our country’s veteran and military population is a community commitment. It’s a constant reminder of a resilient spirit who rose above unthinkable tragedy with a simple goal of helping others.

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD FOR CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
Presented to a group who not only highlights the benefits of veterans in the workplace but leads by example in enriching the lives of military families, both active duty and retired.

PARTNER IN HOPE AWARD
Presented to longtime strategic partner of HOPE. It takes a village to properly serve those who have served our country, and mutual trust and friendship are keys to successful, meaningful impact.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Presented to group of individuals who not only define community but also have a shared commitment to uplifting the warrior community in their area.

VETERAN IMPACT AWARD
Awarded to a company where veterans are valued as part of company culture, both as employees and as significant contributors to the community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Given to an individual who puts his or her patriotism in action to serve military families and raise awareness of the needs of the military community.

HARRY BRIDGWOOD LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to a Vietnam-era veteran who has committed his or her life to serving the next generations of the warrior community.