WASHINGTON – In an effort to help military families, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has presented a check for nearly $22,000 to the Fisher House Foundation. Through private and public contributions, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers to enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House program serves more than 7,000 families, and have made available more than 1.5 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. Given the on-going war on terrorism and the combat injuries being sustained by our troops, the Defense Council decided earlier this year to give their fundraising proceeds to the Fisher House Foundation. While some Defense CUs donated directly to Fisher House, the majority of funds were raised on site at DCUC's 41st annual conference in Las Vegas. Aside from selling "Gimmes" on the golf course and conducting a 50/50 raffle, thousands of dollars were raised during DCUC's Silent Auction. In addition, Armed Forces Financial Network President/CEO Dave Weber matched the total raised for this event.