NATIONAL EQUIPMENT FINANCE ASSOCIATION'S PHILANTHROPIC COMMITTEE ORGANIZES FASHION SHOW, RAISES $25,340 FOR OPERATION OPEN WATER

NATIONAL EQUIPMENT FINANCE ASSOCIATION'S PHILANTHROPIC COMMITTEE ORGANIZES FASHION SHOW, RAISES $25,340 FOR OPERATION OPEN WATER

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is pleased to announce the tremendous success of the fashion show charity event at the 2023 Finance Summit held in San Diego, CA. The event, held on March 21^st, was organized to raise funds for Operation Open Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using ocean and other open water experiences to help heal the mind, strengthen the body and raise the spirits of first responders and veterans.

The stage was taken over by 10 very fashionable models showing off various forms of stylish clothing, all the way from a suave James Bond look to a famous blue suit from a certain Jim Carrey movie you may remember.  The crowd was filled with over 100 enthusiastic attendees, making it a fun experience for everyone.

The highlight of the evening was the overwhelming support received from attendees and sponsors who contributed to the cause. Through everyone’s generosity, the fashion show charity event managed to raise an astounding $25,340 in funds for Operation Open Water.

Danny Nichols, co-founder of Operation Open Water states, “On behalf of all of us at Operation Open Water, we are so grateful to everyone involved with NEFA for believing in our mission to support the health and wellness of every Veteran and First Responder through unique training programs, fellowship, and OpenWater adventures.”

NEFA and the Philanthropic Committee are committed to making a lasting impact in the communities and supporting charitable organizations in the cities in which our events are held. The success of this fashion show charity event further motivates their dedication to creating positive change and has started the wheels spinning to plan an epic event for the upcoming NEFA Funding Symposium in San Antonio on October 3-6.

"We are thrilled and humbled by the response to our fashion show charity event," said Shawn Smith, Founder and Chair of the NEFA Philanthropic Committee. "The amount raised will make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and first responders who are struggling with mental health following their incredible service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, attended, and sponsored this remarkable event."

About the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA): The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national trade association comprised of professionals serving the equipment leasing and finance. Our member companies are diverse and include independent and bank-owned lessors and funding sources, commercial finance brokers, specialty lenders, and various specialized service/product providers serving the needs of these equipment finance specialists.

About Operation Open Water: Operation Open Water begins with the story of two men from different backgrounds who met on a beach and bonded over the experience of the ocean. Together Kyle Kelly and Danny Nichols aim to lead a movement where adventure is a backdrop for fellowship and reviving the soul of those who serve our communities and our country.  When they met, they quickly saw how sharing the adventure and tumultuous beauty of the ocean could help other warriors, including veterans, active military or first responders, find the same peace, fellowship and rejuvenation that they experience.  As co-founders of Operation Open Water, Kelly and Nichols aim to use ocean and other open water experiences to help heal the mind, strengthen the body and raise the spirits of first responders and veterans.  If you are interested in donating to this cause, please click here https://www.operationopenwater.org/donate-today.

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