With this post I’d like to draw your attention to a great firm that has been helping serve a group of warriors most deserving of our nation’s thanks and support. KippsDeSanto is a firm who’s core purpose is to serve other firms, but they have done so in a way that serves a larger community, including service to charities such as the CIA Officers Memorial Fund and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The text below (from: http://www.kippsdesanto.com/talent/ ) provides a recap of one of the KippsDeSanto events that just made a huge difference for the community:

The Community’s Got Talent – A Night Out for the Who’s Who of the Intel & SOF Community

On February 2nd, 2012, KippsDeSanto & Co. presented the inaugural The Community’s Got Talent, an invitation-only battle of the bands to benefit The CIA Officers Memorial Foundation (CIAOMF) and The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). Attended by over 560 senior executives, the event was an engaging night out for the who’s who of the Intelligence and Special Operations Forces communities.

Hosted by actor / comedian / musician Dan Aykroyd, The Community’s Got Talent featured eight bands comprised exclusively of musically talented IC, SOF and industry personnel. Competing bands were judged by a discerning panel of internationally-recognized music critics, including Former Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnell, Tom Ferguson, Ron Burgess, Former SOCOM Commander Charlie Holland and Former NRO Director Scott Large.

The competition was tough, and each band’s performance was unique, demonstrating a variety of styles evident in the community. The judges chose their top three favorite bands, including Bad Neighbors, Westpole, and Alley Cats. After help from the audience, Alley Catstook the stage and were presented with the first ever Spooky Award.

Immediately following the battle of the bands segment, Dan “Elwood Blues” Aykroyd and Steely Dan founding member, Skunk Baxter, performed a Blues Brothers “Lite” set, highlighted by the on stage accompaniment of Director of National Intelligence General James Clapper.

The night was not only an opportunity to socialize with the industry’s finest but an incredibly successful fundraising opportunity for the CIAOMF and SOWF organizations. With the help of corporate and personal contributions, ticket sales, and a silent auction, KippsDeSanto & Co. was able to raise over $200,000 which will be divided among the organizations. These funds will provide direct financial support for college, technical training, personal counseling and professional education to surviving dependents of our fallen shadow warriors.

To say the night was a success would be an understatement. KippsDeSanto & Co. would like to graciously thank our many donors, namely SAIC and Digital Reasoning, Dan Aykroyd, the SOWF and CIAOMF, and most importantly, the men and women who continue to serve and give their lives for the betterment of our country.

To learn more about the event, please visit our website. For those interested in more information regarding future events, please contact Pack Fancher at [email protected].