The Big Fish Foundation is a veteran nonprofit that reconnects veterans after service. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is losing touch with the people they served alongside for years. DT understood this struggle personally, and the Hold Fast Row was his way of turning passion into action, reconnecting veterans, and building a community of support.
What “Hold Fast” Means
For DT, “Hold Fast” is more than a motto—it’s a principle that guides his life. It reminds him to stay committed to relationships and friendships, including the ones formed at Big Fish Foundation events, and to create opportunities for other veterans to stay connected as well.
That philosophy is at the heart of this event. It’s about holding fast to family, friends, and community, while fostering networks that strengthen the veteran community. The DT Hold Fast Row isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a way to build meaningful relationships and raise awareness for a cause that makes a real difference.About the Event
The 2025 DT's Hold Fast Row will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, New Jersey. Participants will begin arriving at 8:00 a.m., with the event starting at 8:30 a.m. It’s a two-hour, team-focused physical fitness event featuring rowing challenges, problem-solving exercises, and opportunities to connect with others who support the veteran community. Full program details will be released later this month, and participants and donors can register at dtsrow.com
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What makes this event unique is its combination of fitness, teamwork, and philanthropy. Unlike traditional 5Ks or hikes, the DT Hold Fast Row is centered on building community, encouraging teamwork, and raising awareness for the Big Fish Foundation. DT designed this event to reflect the foundation’s mission: connecting people and creating lasting relationships.
Goals and Impact
This year, the DT's Hold Fast Row is focused on three key goals:
Fundraising: Every $1,500 raised sends a veteran to a Big Fish Foundation event, providing life-changing opportunities for re-connection and support.
Awareness: The event introduces new audiences to the Big Fish Foundation, building long-term engagement and support.
Community: Bringing together veterans, families, fitness enthusiasts, and corporate teams creates a culture of connection and shared purpose.
DT ensures that 100% of funds raised go directly to the Big Fish Foundation—neither he nor the hosting gym receives any portion of the donations.
Historically, the event has relied on DT’s personal network of friends and family, but this year we’re expanding corporate sponsorship opportunities to increase fundraising and impact even further.
Audience & Corporate Value
The DT Hold Fast Row draws a diverse, engaged audience:
- Veterans and their families, seeking connection and support
- Fitness enthusiasts and competitive teams
- Corporate groups looking for team-building opportunities and community impact
Sponsors gain significant visibility through:
Social media campaigns leading up to and following the event
On-site signage and branded materials
Local press coverage and radio announcements
Logo placement based on sponsorship level
Supporting the DT Hold Fast Row allows corporate partners to align their brand with a meaningful, community-driven cause while engaging a motivated and values-driven audience.
Sponsorship Opportunities & Deadlines
We welcome all types of support—cash donations, in-kind contributions, or promotional partnerships. Sponsors benefit from tiered opportunities, including brand exposure, media mentions, and on-site recognition. Early sponsors receive priority logo placement and promotional mentions.
While sponsorships are ideally secured before November, we accept donations through the end of the month. Every contribution strengthens the Big Fish Foundation’s reach and directly impacts the lives of veterans.
How to Get Involved
DT is the main point of contact for sponsorships:
Email: DT@bigfishfoundation.org
Social Media: @dts_ro2h
He collaborates closely with sponsors before, during, and after the event to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.
Supporting the DT Hold Fast Row is more than a donation—it’s a chance to make a real difference in veterans’ lives, strengthen community, and support an event led by someone with a genuine, lifelong commitment to the cause.
Hold fast—to your friends, to your family, to your community.
