I’ve known Dave Thomas "DT" since high school. Over the years I’ve watched him grow into someone who’s deeply committed to giving back to the community. When DT attended a Big Fish Foundation event in 2021, he returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. That experience inspired him to create the DT Hold Fast Row, a fundraising event that combines fitness, teamwork, and community impact to support the Big Fish Foundation.

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.