Top 3 reasons the 2026 Foundation Gala at GAC will power your year
by Danielle Brown, Chief Engagement Officer
Our industry’s annual gathering in Washington, D.C. will soon be here! Each year, I look forward to attending America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) for many of the same reasons you might, too. The people, the events, the energy—it fuels my passion for what we do and fills me with enough purpose to keep going all year long.
And, there’s one special event I just can’t stop thinking about. Okay, yes, it is a big part of my world, but let me explain what you will gain from being at the Foundation Gala at GAC on March 2, 2026!
1. The power of recognition
There is science behind recognition. In business strategy settings, you’ve likely heard the phrase “what gets measured gets done.” Well, in the awards and recognition business, what gets awarded gets valued.
Awards are a tangible acknowledgement of the collective belief in the value of one’s work. The Herb Wegner Memorial Awards are our movement’s most prestigious national recognition. They shine light and give tangibility to the idea that the difference made by this industry, one person at a time, one day at a time, is meaningful and important.
This year, we will honor three outstanding leaders who just so happen to all be graduates of the Foundation’s Development Education (DE) program—a milestone that underscores the DE community’s enduring influence in championing the credit union value prop as a differentiator and change-maker. By honoring these award winners with us, you help confirm the importance of credit unions’ value and impact.
2. The power of a happiness boost
Part of the Gala’s magic is the experience itself: the excitement of getting dressed in your finest, the warmth of seeing good friends old and new, and the inspiration that comes from being in a room buzzing with ideas, laughter, and shared purpose. That joy is contagious—and it’s amplified by the act of giving.
There’s real science behind why generosity makes the evening feel so special. Multiple studies have shown that giving—whether through donations, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness—boosts happiness and well-being.
I believe it was Winston Churchill who said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” In other words, when you give at the Gala—through your ticket, your sponsorship, or your donation—you’re not only fueling our mission but also giving yourself the gift of joy and belonging, outcomes linked to healthier, happier lives.
3. The powerful future of financial well-being
The Foundation Gala is our primary fundraising event. The generosity and support of attendees and sponsors directly affect our ability to improve financial well-being with and through credit unions—from expanding research and tools that help credit unions’ members thrive, to scaling programs like DE that inspire, educate, and equip leaders for a lifetime to act with purpose and energy.
In 2026, there will be even more from the Foundation to look forward to. You’ll be hearing more about this soon, but for now, let’s gather at the Foundation Gala to celebrate what’s truly important, take time for joy and happiness together, and power the future of the credit union movement. This is YOUR night!
Seats and sponsorships are still available—secure yours today.
Book your table or your individual tickets before we sell out (we’re already 75+% full!) or reach out to me to explore some of our new sponsorship opportunities.
Story originally published on CUInsight