Event Coverage in Los Angeles Magazine is HERE

LOS ANGELES — May 15, 2014 – The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation has announced that $3 million was raised at “An Evening to Support Navy SEALs, Fellow Special Operations Warriors and Their Families,” a spectacular fundraising event held on May 3 at the Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. The event was attended by more than 1,000 guests who enjoyed sensational food and entertainment, and were treated to an up close look at the latest high tech military equipment. Event sponsor Michael A. Liberty presented the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation with a $1 million donation check that was parachuted into the event by two of his corporate executives. The SEAL-NSW Family Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for special programs in direct support of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) families on a local, national and global scale.

The event, which raised funds to support Navy SEALs, fellow SOF Warriors and their families, began with a spectacular skydiving show featuring 13 ex-Navy SEALs from Skydiving Innovations, who parachuted into the Jonathan Beach Club with the American Flag and in tandem with event sponsors from Michael A. Liberty, Mozido, Inc. and Jonathan Club. Guests viewed interactive displays and were provided with unprecedented access to an exciting array of state-of-the-art equipment including drones, weapon systems of all types, infrared and night vision, tactical gear, lasers, and advance communications and translation equipment. The event also featured live entertainment from Los Angeles’ own AKNU and a stirring rendition of The National Anthem by Recording Artist Vaja. Guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime items and experiences in silent and live auctions, and event sponsors and beneficiaries on hand included NSW Kids, The Rosie Network, NAMMO, AeroVironment and T3.

The event featured a keynote address from retired General James N. Mattis, former commander of US Central Command, and former President of Mexico Vicente Fox. Special guests included Presenting Sponsor Michael A. Liberty; Michael Thornton, retired Navy SEAL and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient; and Johnny Walker, who guided and interpreted for Navy SEALs on various missions in Iraq and was on-hand to sign his new book “Code Name: Johnny Walker.” The USC Marching Band also performed a series of patriotic songs choreographed to video of actual SEALs training, including the infamous Hell Week.

Michael A. Liberty, The Liberty Family Foundation and Mozido, Inc. were the event’s presenting sponsors. Liberty also announced an initiative at the event designed to raise $10 million to integrate, align and coordinate Benevolent Support for all Special Operations Forces (SOF) warriors and their families. Additional sponsors included — Fortress, Jonathan Club, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Legendary, North Castle Partners, NAMMO, T3, AeroVironment, Valencia Country Club, BH Management, Inc., Center Street Lending, Ellis Communications, Inc., Floyd’s Barbershop, Houlihan Lokey, Jacmar, Majestic Realty Co., Playboy, Brassfield Estate Winery, Catalina Securities, REI Wise, Reality Advisors Group, Relativity, Riot Games, SBE, Sidley Austin LLP, Skyline Pacific Properties, MTP, The Weinstein Company, The Yucaipa Companies, UST Global and Parsons.

A number of leaders from the business, sports and entertainment communities were distinguished guests of Michael A. Liberty, including Bob Turner, Al Checchi, Anthony Altamura, The Zuckerberg Family, Jason Morton, Nick Adams, Jim Rappaport, Dottie Mattison, Court Coursey, David Nazarian, Sudhakar Gudala, Scott Sandlin, Greg Corona, Farooq Arjomand, Michal Perkinson, Nick O’Hern and Lionel Ritchie.

About SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation
The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation supports individual and family readiness through an array of programs specifically targeted to assist the Naval Special Warfare community in maintaining a resilient, sustainable, and healthy force in this era of persistent conflict and frequent deployments. With SEALs, their ability to stay fit and focused determines the success of every mission. Part of our job is to facilitate that focus by ensuring every SEAL knows his family is, and will be taken care of. Our motto is “Taking care of THEIR family while they protect OURS.” SEAL-NSWFF programs include Family Resiliency and Services, NSW Kids, Bereavement Support, Transition Assistance, Counter Deployment, Global Outreach, Emergency Assistance and Wounded Warriors. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sealnswff.org.