Funds allow the nonprofit organization to continue providing emergency financial
assistance to active-duty and retired Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.
WASHINGTON (March 27, 2023) — After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society hosted their black-tie fundraising ball on Saturday, March 25, 2023 and raised over $500,000. Senior military leaders, NMCRS supporters, corporate executives and military families gathered in support of the organization’s mission of providing financial, educational and other assistance to active duty and retired members of the Sea Services of the United States, their family members and survivors.
The event, themed “Together Again,” included a reception, dinner, silent auction and dancing. General Eric Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller); and Vice Admiral Rick Cheeseman, Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel and Training started the evening off by applauding NMCRS volunteers and employees for extending the special kind of care and compassion that assists clients when they need it the most.
Entertainment was provided by the United States Navy Band Cruisers, the Navy’s premier popular music group. Distinguished speakers included LtGen. Robert R. Ruark, president and CEO of NMCRS; Sergio Rodriguez, NMCRS volunteer and 2022 Navy Spouse of the Year. Margaret Brennan, moderator of “Face the Nation” on CBS, served as emcee for the evening. Brennan’s spouse serves in the United States Marines Corps Reserve.
“The Society is proud to play an important role in the financial, personal and family readiness of those who wear the cloth of our nation,” said Ruark during his speech. “Long deployments, family separations, frequent relocations and other unique environmental factors create exceptional hardships for those who serve and their families. NMCRS exists to be a helpful resource when needed.”
Since the ball was last held in 2019, NMCRS has provided over $141 million in financial aid and served over 230,000 clients.
The event was demonstrative of the organization’s commitment to providing Sea Service members with urgent financial assistance, financial education, scholarships and much more. USAA was the presenting sponsor and the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. served as the venue.
“Our goal at NMCRS is to make it as easy as possible for Marines and Sailors to ask for help,” continued Ruark. “In everything we do, we are preparing clients for a solid financial future.”