Washington, D.C. — The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization working to meet the unmet needs of military personnel and their families, announced last week it raised over $700,000, a record-breaking fundraising year, at its annual Night of Heroes Gala last month in Washington, D.C.

The event recognized wounded military heroes and those of the medical community who provide the continuum of care from the battlefield to the home front.

“When the battle ends the responsibility of the foundation and our donors begins. We are thrilled with the level of support we received this year,” said Christopher Flynn, president and chief executive officer for the PenFed Foundation. “Even in these tough economic times, our donors took that extra step to help make life better for veterans and active duty service members who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our country. That means a lot to us — and to the men and women we serve.”

The money raised will go towards supporting the foundation’s programs, including helping wounded service members and providing financial management assistance to veterans and their families.

This year, the funds raised will also be used to help build a new $12.5 million Defenders Lodge, a free hotel for veterans seeking medical treatment at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto, Calif.