Cape Canaveral, FL: We at Law Enforcement Today partnered with the great folks from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association to put together one of the most prestigious LEO gala events in American history. The Big Blue Bash brought in numerous high profile law enforcement, military and political figures who elevated the event to an almost unbelievable level.
Among the list of attendees were Border Czar Tom Homan, DHS Chief Kristen Noem, Podcaster, entrepreneur and social media influencer Patrick Bet-David, newly confirmed Drug Czar Sara A. Carter- just to name a few.
It was a once in a lifetime event.
But if you missed the Big Blue Bash, don’t worry, another distinguished gala is on the horizon, and it serves a mission that could not be more urgent.
On February 28th, the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral, Florida will host Unite for Heroes: A Gala of Hope and Healing, an evening dedicated to raising funds for an exceptional nonprofit organization: Heroes United to Heal (HU2H).
HU2H provides life-changing retreats for law enforcement officers, first responders, and both active duty military and veterans, offering them a safe place to begin their journey toward hope and healing. Too often, those who dedicate their lives to serving others struggle silently with memories they cannot unsee or forget. The nature of their work frequently exposes them to traumatic events and, in many cases, traumatic brain injuries, making them more vulnerable to the cumulative effects of trauma. These injuries often manifest as what is commonly labeled post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
HU2H works tirelessly to dismantle the stigma surrounding this diagnosis, reminding those who are suffering that they are not broken, they are not weak, and they are not alone.
The organization is led by a team of highly qualified veterans and first responders, each with a deeply personal connection to the mission of ending hero suicide. Founder Donna Michaels says one of the things she is most proud of is that HU2H is 100% volunteer-run. No one on the team accepts compensation, ensuring that every dollar raised directly funds the HU2H Big Sky Retreats in Montana and helps as many heroes as possible.
High-Profile Guests
Much like other notable fundraising galas, Unite for Heroes will feature distinguished public figures who bring credibility, leadership, and powerful voices to the cause.
Among the keynote speakers is Sheriff Mark Lamb, one of America’s most prominent law enforcement advocates. Sheriff Lamb has spent years championing common-sense policies such as border security, the preservation of law and order, and the elimination of divisive DEI initiatives. He is a frequent presence on mainstream media outlets, consistently defending the law enforcement profession and the American way of life.
Joining him is Retired Master Chief Navy SEAL Ross Munro, who spent the majority of his career with SEAL Team SIX, one of the most elite special operations units in the world. His message of leadership, accountability, and service promises to be both powerful and deeply meaningful.
The evening will also feature Jessica Lynch, former prisoner of war, bestselling author, and public speaker. Lynch was the first American service member captured during the invasion of Iraq and was later rescued, coincidentally, by SEAL Team SIX and other members of a joint military special operations group . Her presence brings a deeply personal and human dimension to the evening.
A Noble Fundraiser With Real Impact
At its core, Unite for Heroes exists for one reason: to save lives.
“Our nonprofit takes veterans and first responders to an extraordinarily beautiful place in Montana,” Michaels explained. “There, they can disconnect from the stressors that follow them at home and begin healing through peer support, education, camaraderie, and nature-based therapeutic activities.”
She added, “We’ve developed a program that teaches healthy ways to manage the stress that comes with military and first responder life. These retreats come at no cost to attendees, but they are expensive to fund.”
The goal of this event is to fund four to six retreats in 2026. Each retreat serves 10 to 12 participants, meaning HU2H has the potential to positively impact up to 72 heroes per year. Studies show that programs like HU2H’s can reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation by as much as 88%.
Michaels is no stranger to trauma herself. While serving in the U.S. Navy, she was the victim of a sexual assault, an experience she did not report out of fear. Like many survivors, she buried the memory for decades. Years later, after one traumatic law enforcement call too many, the weight of unresolved trauma became overwhelming.
In 2021, she retired from law enforcement after publishing her memoir, Courageously Broken. After hearing from countless first responders who were struggling, she realized that suicide awareness alone was no longer enough.
“Everyone is aware it’s a problem,” she said. “I nearly orphaned my daughter years ago because I was too afraid to ask for help. What breaks my heart even more is the number of friends I’ve lost for the same reason.”
“That’s why this gala is so important,” Michaels added. “Every dollar raised helps save lives.”
Auction Items
In addition to the evening’s distinguished speakers and powerful mission, the gala will feature an exceptional lineup of high-value auction items, including:
- A seven-day African safari hunt, including lodging and meals
- A seven-day Norwegian cruise for two in a balcony stateroom
- An autographed guitar from Aaron Lewis
- Two Henry rifles
- Three patriotic, cerakoted firearms
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey will serve as the evening’s auctioneer, bringing his signature energy and often contributing unique law enforcement experiences for winning bidders.
How You Can Help
Guests can further support the cause through sponsorship opportunities. Currently, only two sponsorships remain available: a VIP Bar Sponsor and a Floral Sponsor.
“However you choose to contribute, big or small, it makes a difference,” Michaels said. “They save us. Now it’s time we help save them.”
Visit www.hu2h.org for more information or to purchase tickets. Click on the gala flyer on the home page or click HERE to take you to a secure nonprofit payment platform.
You can also follow Heroes United to Heal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X.
However, the BEST WAY to keep up with HU2H is by subscribing to their free monthly newsletter which goes out at the beginning of each month.
This Spring’s retreat application window opens Feb 1, 2026, via their website, so subscribe to the newsletter now to stay in the know.
A special thank you to the sponsor of this event, Clinger Holsters. A Small, family-owned business in AR that makes extremely comfortable and high-quality concealed carry holsters, specifically customized to each gun.
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Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
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