Angels of America’s Fallen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the children of deceased veterans and first responders. Through funding extracurricular activities, from sports to arts, AOA Fallen helps children explore their passions while providing a supportive community where families can heal and grow together.
AOA Fallen’s 10th annual Angel Gala on April 26 hosted more than 700 guests in Colorado Springs at Hotel Polaris, where more than $575,000 was raised to help “ensure that the children of our fallen heroes have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive,” according to the AOA Fallen website.
In attendance at the gala were “Angel families” — families whose lives have been directly impacted by AOA Fallen.
One Angel family is the Wallicks, who lost their father and husband four years ago.
Danita Jenae Wallick, now raising daughters Celia, 15, and Evelyn, 10, shared how the program helped them build community with others who understood their loss.
“They’ve supported our girls getting involved with 4-H, which gave us another layer of belonging that’s been such a blessing,” she said.
Another Angel mom, Rosa Hester, attended the gala with her young son, Matthew. Hester shared how the organization has helped ease the challenges of single parenthood.
“It’s helped us in so many ways,” Rosa Hester said. “It’s given my son the opportunity to take lessons, play sports; it really makes a difference, especially as a single mom. It’s a beautiful way they give back to us and honor our loved ones, like my husband.”
Matthew Hester said he’s had “a lot of fun” in his lessons.
From Texas, the Fialkowski family expressed similar gratitude. Ruth Fialkowski said she brought her daughters Gabriella and Gizella to hear keynote speaker Adri Loughmiller, who is a fellow Angel mom and the one who introduced them to the organization.
Since joining AOA Fallen, Gabriella and Gizella Fialkowski said they have taken part in martial arts, swimming, tumbling, and dance.
Gabriella said her favorite part is “Joining with kids my age and kids just like me.”
Beyond the Angel families, many guests attended because of personal reasons, military service, or sheer admiration for the cause. Marine veteran Michael Sherman came to support his friend, the event coordinator.
Colonel David Schall, an aerospace neuro-oncologist and his wife Susan, were also in attendance. Though not directly affected by the organization, Susan said, “We’re supporters. We heard a presentation at a luncheon once and knew we wanted to help.”
The gala’s main ballroom was decorated with rows of white-clothed tables stretched across the room, angel wings projected on the wall, and a blue glow bathed the entire room. The space had been transformed, not just aesthetically, but emotionally for the event.
Outside the ballroom, tables overflowed with themed gift baskets filled with everything from lotions to event tickets and handmade art. These were auctioned off to raise funds for the organization.
An eight-week-old husky malamute puppy named Honor, with expressive eyebrows and dark eyes, was auctioned. Foster mom Meg Thrall said she raises a puppy for each year’s gala in hopes of finding a loving family. Honor was adopted that evening for $6,500, which went toward Angels of America’s Fallen’s mission.
The ceremony itself was co-MC’ed by Matt Meister, FOX21 Storm Team chief meteorologist, and Dianne Derby, a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and KOAA anchor. The program featured powerful testimonials from parents, a fundraising auction, and deeply personal stories.
Adri Loughmiller’s journey of healing through trauma touched many people. For many people, the best part of the evening was the Angel kids’ talent show, where children demonstrated the very passions the organization made possible, from drum recitals to martial arts routines.
The Angels of America’s Fallen Gala was more than just a glamorous evening; it was a testament to resilience, remembrance, and the unyielding support of the community. It was a reminder to everyone that while grief can fracture a family, love, support, and opportunity can help them rebuild. That night, the room wasn’t just filled with light and music. It was filled with purpose and strength.
