Events
Upcoming Events
Our Past Events
2nd Annual Avalon Action Alliance Gala - Sept. 10, 2026 - Tickets Available
Avalon Action Alliance welcomed nearly 500 leaders, veterans, advocates, partners, and supporters to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta for its Second Annual Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating service, connection, and the collective impact of the Avalon community.
Under the theme Carrying the Legacy Forward, the evening honored those who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation’s veterans and first responders while highlighting Avalon’s continued work to expand access to care for those navigating traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance use challenges.
Hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the evening featured powerful stories from across the Avalon network and the presentation of the Legacy of Service Award to Alana Shepherd, co-founder of the Shepherd Center. Presented by 2025 honoree Arthur Blank, the award recognized Alana’s extraordinary legacy of service and commitment to improving the lives of others. Together, nearly $1.4 million was raised to help Avalon and its partners continue removing barriers to life-changing care for veterans and first responders nationwide.
Avalon Action Alliance Hosts “We Are Avalon” Fireside Chat in San Antonio, TX - May 13, 2026
Avalon Action Alliance welcomed leaders, veterans, advocates, and supporters to the beautiful Oak Hills Country Club for a special We Are Avalon fireside chat focused on the invisible wounds impacting our nation’s veterans and first responders.
Hosted in San Antonio, TX, the evening created space for meaningful conversation around leadership, resilience, service, and the growing need to expand access to care for those navigating traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse challenges.
Avalon was honored to welcome Dr. Mark T. Esper, 27th Secretary of Defense, as the evening’s featured guest. The conversation was facilitated by Kate Shattuck, Managing Partner at Korn Ferry, and hosted by Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance. Together, the discussion explored the importance of continued leadership and support for veterans and first responders long after their service ends.
The St. Regis Atlanta’s Seventh-Annual Out of the Kitchen
A Night of Purpose: Supporting Warriors and Their Families
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, The St. Regis Atlanta welcomed twenty acclaimed chefs and 200 guests to its annual philanthropic dining experience, Out of the Kitchen. Avalon Action Alliance was honored to be selected as this year’s nonprofit beneficiary. Thanks to every guest, chef, sponsor, and partner who made the night extraordinary, more warriors will receive the support they deserve.
More than $300,000 was raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, and an energetic live auction. These funds will support Avalon’s nationwide network of TBI Centers, posttraumatic growth (PTG) programs, and substance abuse treatment facilities, services provide life-changing care for warriors living with the invisible wounds of service.
Set inside the hotel’s iconic Astor Ballroom, the evening invited guests to step into each chef’s creative world, with twenty cooking stations offering an intimate showcase as chefs prepared multi-course meals tableside, each dish paired with thoughtful wine selections. As guests left the ballroom, they were treated to a stunning array of pastries and desserts crafted by the hotel’s pastry chef before joining the chefs for an exclusive after-party featuring a DJ, late-night bites, and drinks that carried the celebration well into the night.
“This evening was more than a culinary celebration, it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with purpose,” shared Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance. “Every dollar raised ensures that more warriors receive life-changing care, healing, and a path forward.”
A Mission That Extends Far Beyond One Night
Out of the Kitchen offered a meaningful platform to share why Avalon’s mission matters, why veterans and first responders facing the invisible wounds of service need a place to turn when they come home, and how the generosity of this community fuels life-changing care.
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To learn more about Avalon Action Alliance and its programs, visit www.avalonactionalliance.org
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Avalon Fireside Chat, Washington, D.C. 16 June 2025
Avalon Action Alliance convened more than 75 leaders from government, the private sector, and across our partner alliance for an evening of connection and conversation at Korn Ferry’s Washington, D.C. office. The event featured a fireside chat moderated by Avalon board member and Korn Ferry Managing Partner Kate Shattuck, who led a thoughtful discussion with Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT). A former Navy SEAL and combat veteran, entrepreneur, and public servant, Senator Sheehy shared reflections on leadership, service, and the responsibility we all share in supporting those who’ve worn the uniform.
The evening spotlighted Avalon’s work addressing the invisible wounds of war, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse, while also creating space for honest dialogue and new connections. The engagement and energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to expanding access to care and ensuring no veteran or first responder is left behind.
We are grateful to Korn Ferry for hosting, and to everyone who joined us in advancing this important mission.
Avalon Action Alliance Inaugural Gala 2025: Honoring a Legacy, Forging a Future
The Avalon Action Alliance hosted its Inaugural Gala at the Georgia Aquarium on April 10, 2025. Nearly 600 friends, sponsors, supporters, and program partners gathered in the breathtaking Oceans Ballroom surrounded by majestic beluga whales, whale sharks, and stingrays.
The evening honored the legacy of Bernie Marcus and celebrated Arthur Blank for his unwavering commitment to veterans and first responders. Emceed by the legendary Gary Sinise, with a powerful keynote by Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg, the night ended on a high note with a rousing performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
A heartfelt thanks to our legacy and title sponsors—The Marcus Foundation, The Home Depot, Floor & Decor, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and Gary Sinise Foundation—and to everyone who contributed to this successful event. Over $1M was raised to help support our mission of delivering life-changing programs to veterans and first responders facing the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS), and substance use challenges.
Brothers After War Movie Premiere 28 February 2025
Avalon Action Alliance and The Warrior Alliance partnered to bring the premier showing of the feature film, Brothers After War, to Atlanta! The film opened in 100 Regal Cinemas nationwide. Directed by Jake Rademacher and executive produced by Gary Sinise, Actor, Humanitarian, Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Avalon Legacy Supporter, the motion picture invites audiences on a raw and moving journey as veterans explore themes of loss, identity, strength, family and moving forward as they transition from the battlefield to civilian life.
Inaugural We Are Avalon Dinner 26 September 2024
Hosted a fireside chat at the NY Athletic Club American Legion Post 754 with the former Secretary of the Army and 27th Secretary of Defense, Mark T. Esper, PhD. shared the important work we are doing to support our veterans who suffer from the silent epidemic of the interrelated symptoms of TBI, PTS, and Substance Abuse.