VetCV Foundation
Special Keynote Speakers
Rudy Ruettiger, US Navy Veteran, whose life story inspired the major motion picture, RUDY
Born on August 23, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger is a US Navy veteran, collegiate football player, and motivational speaker who is best known as the real-life inspiration for the 1993 film, RUDY. Son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream - to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish.
Today, RUDY RUETTIGER. is an Emmy Award winning motivational keynote speaker, author, and producer with over 25 years of experience speaking to corporations, universities, sports teams, and special events. His captivating personality and powerful message of " NEVER QUIT" and "YES I CAN" comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph, resonating with audiences worldwide
Chandra Newman, CAPT, USN
Commanding Officer,
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Captain Chandra Newman is a native of Inverness, Florida. She enlisted in the Navy May 2001 and commissioned from Officer Candidate School in November 2002 after completing a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Troy State University in Education, summa cum laude. She earned her wings of gold August 2004. Newman graduated from the Naval War College earning her Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies focusing on Eurasia and has completed the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Education program.
More recently, Newman was a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow with Raytheon Intelligence & Space in Arlington, Virginia integrating with the Vice President of Maritime Dominance and the Vice President of Strategy, Campaigns, and Analysis. Newman most recently served as Naval Aviation’s Leadership, Education, Growth, Advocacy, Culture and Youth Outreach (LEGACY) Director at CNAF Headquarters.
Newman assumed command of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Nov. 15, 2024.
Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), as well as additional unit and personal awards.
Evening's Master of Ceremonies
Hmm, we have someone very special on our radar, we'll add them as soon as we are locked on!
Evening's Musical Guests
Event Sponsors
Save the Date!
November 22nd, 2025 - Be There!
We look forward to an even bigger event for 2025, please contact us at 850.441.2008 or email info@vetcvf.org or lock in your seats now and save!
Early Bird Price until October 1st:
$150 125/Ticket or Table for 10 $1,750 1,500
Get ready for another unforgettable evening at the stunning Pensacola Yacht Club as we kick off the 2025 VetCV Foundation Fundraising Dinner on November 22nd, themed "Stars, Stripes, & Service - Patriotism in Action, Empowering Tomorrow, & Finding Purpose." This is more than just a dinner—it's a celebration of our shared commitment to empowering veterans and their families as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives. Your presence and support can help us make a profound difference and keep our mission thriving.
This dinner will benefit various Foundation initiatives such as our new Mission Next Center located at Pensacola State College on the Milton Campus, our Grant Program, and our special Charity Patriot Partners. We are honored to support our critical community Patriot Partners as they work to improve the lives of Veterans and their families. Their unwavering dedication inspires us, and we are proud to support their compassionate and impactful mission.
Event Title Sponsor
We are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary keynote speakers: Chandra Newman, CAPT USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola and Rudy Ruettiger, US Navy Veteran, whose life story inspired the major motion picture, RUDY.
Evening Agenda
- 5:30 – 6:50 PM - Cocktail Reception {Cash Bar} & Silent Auction opens
- 6:50 - 7:00 PM - Guests asked to locate their seats by ___________________, Event MC
- 7:00 - 7:15 PM - Presentation of Colors - U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, National Anthem - Blue Anchor Belles, Invocation - Timothy Chandler, & Welcome - Pete McKanna, Foundation President
- 7:15 - 7:20 PM - Major Sponsors Acknowledgement - Niels Andersen, Chairman & Secretary
- 7:20 - 8:00 PM - Dinner & Live Auction
- 8:00 - 8:20 PM - Break & Silent Auction Closes
- 8:20 - 8:45 PM - Introduction & Guest Speaker: Chandra Newman, CAPT USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Pensacola
- 8:45 - 9:10 PM - Introduction & Guest Speaker: Rudy Ruettiger, Emmy award winning speaker, author, producer, & famous Notre Dame football player
- 9:10 - 9:25 PM - Split-the-Pot Raffle Winner Announcement & Closing Thank You Remarks by Pete McKanna
- 9:25 - 9:30 PM - Benediction - Timothy Chandler
Cocktail Attire Suggested - Coat Required
Dress Blues for Active Duty & Military Retiree's is optional but sure would look GREAT!
Must Be Present To Win Raffles
Purchase tickets online below or send your check to 4400 Bayou Blvd., Ste. 32A, Pensacola, FL 32503
Dinner Tickets
Tickets - $150 ea.
- Veteran Sustainer Table Sponsor -
$1,750 ea.
Tables seat 10
Table Sponsors Promoted & Mentioned at the Event
Main Course
- Heroes' Surf-n-Turf
Patriot Partner
Sponsor Options
We have crafted several sponsorship opportunities that will allow you to showcase your commitment to our nation's Military, Veterans, and their families:
- Gold Star Title Event Sponsor (2 Available)
- Silver Star Sponsor
- Bronze Star Sponsor
- Star Table Sponsor
- Tribute Star Sponsor
Scan or click to learn about how your sponsorship will not only enhance your brand's visibility but also contribute to a meaningful cause.
Scan or Click to purchase
The "Split-the-Pot" raffle offers you the opportunity to take home half the pot! Buy your tickets now, pick them up at the dinner.
Tribute Stars
Pay tribute to a hero who served with a heartfelt tribute at the VetCV Foundation "Stars, Stripes, & Service" Fundraising Dinner through a Tribute Star for just a small investment of $125! Imagine the pride and emotion as their name shines at this dinner, a powerful symbol of gratitude for their sacrifice, inspiring every guest at this meaningful event. This is not just an ordinary Star—it’s a chance to celebrate their legacy, support veterans’ well-being, and be part of a community united in remembrance.
With each Star, their story resonates, fueling excitement and connection among military families, patriots, and supporters. Your tribute helps fund VetCV’s mission to empower veterans, making a lasting impact while creating a moment of joy and honor that will be cherished forever. Each Star will also be memorialized on the VetCV Foundation website where you can also include a special story or remembrance. After the event, you may even want to take your Tribute Star home!
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and celebrate someone special—reserve your Tribute Star today!
Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable!
Event Location:
Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St, Pensacola, FL 32502
Click the link below to visit the Foundations's Fundraising Dinner event page on Facebook!
© 2024 VetCV Foundation