Revive & Thrive 2024: A Celebration of Connection, Community, and Purpose
On December 5th, 2024, Guardian Revival hosted Revive & Thrive 2024 — a night dedicated to celebrating resilience, connection, and the incredible work being done to support our guardians.
Held at The Factoria in Peekskill, NY, the event brought together guardians, supporters, GR team members, and community members for an evening filled with inspiration and entertainment.
The night’s highlights included the premiere of two impactful short documentaries — we’re thrilled to share these films with you and reflect on the incredible stories and impact they represent:
Boots & Paws Short Film, showcasing the transformative power of canine companionship.
Another Summit Mini Documentary, an inspiring look into the healing and connection found through outdoor adventures.
We also heard (and danced to) wonderful musical performances by guardian musicians and veteran & country star Scotty Hasting.
A Night of Celebration and Inspiration
The energy of the evening was palpable from the start. Guests were welcomed with a lively cocktail hour featuring music by DJ Alexandra Richards, setting the stage for connection and camaraderie.
As attendees settled in for a sit-down dinner, the room buzzed with excitement for what was to come. The premieres of the Boots & Paws and Another Summit documentaries were deeply moving, highlighting the life-changing impact of these programs.
The evening concluded with unforgettable live performances from Guardian Encore musicians, capped by a show-stopping set from veteran and country music star Scotty Hasting.
Check out the event photos:
Boots & Paws: Transforming Lives Through Canine Companionship
The Boots & Paws Mini Documentary tells the story of how companion dogs are making a difference in the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families.
Watch for the inspiring history of Boots & Paws and Guardian Revival (co-founded by former Navy SEAL Alex Othmer), learn about the therapeutic benefits of dog ownership, how our Boots & Paws program works (from applications to matching guardians with puppies), and see some powerful testimonials from recipients of our companion dogs.
As you can see, our companion dogs are more than just pets — they’re a source of purpose, connection, and healing.
Another Summit: Healing Through Outdoor Adventures
The Another Summit Mini Documentary offers an intimate look at the power of nature and camaraderie in healing. This program provides military, veterans, first responders, and their families with transformative outdoor experiences, ranging from day hikes to multi-day paddling, fishing, and backpacking excursions.
Key highlights of the program include:
Adventures designed for all ages and ability levels, including accessible outings
Transit-to-trail initiatives with outings accessible via public transportation, ensuring transportation isn’t a barrier
Building community and promoting mental and physical well-being through time spent outdoors
"The mountains remind me that I’m part of something bigger, and the friendships I’ve made here remind me I’m not alone in my journey." – Another Summit participant & guardian
Guardian Musical Performances
At 8:30 PM, the stage came alive with powerful performances from Guardian Encore musicians, setting the tone for an evening of heartfelt connection and storytelling through music.
Encore performers included:
Dave Casale (First Responder)
Adam Cherney (Veteran)
Rob Sullivan (former Navy SEAL)
Matt Sorena, Encore’s Executive Program Director
Luc Aussavis, Encore’s Operations Manager
Each artist brought a unique sound and perspective, showcasing the transformative power of music in their personal journeys.
The energy peaked with our headliner, veteran and country star Scotty Hasting, whose story and music captivated the audience.
Scotty Hasting: Music as Healing
“For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it’s quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace,” shared Scotty Hasting, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who headlined the event with his signature blend of resilience and artistry.
Hasting’s journey to music began as a means to combat the silence of isolation and PTSD after being medically retired from the Army. Despite severe nerve damage in his right hand from being shot ten times during an ambush in Afghanistan, he taught himself to play guitar in 2020. Since then, Hasting has turned his passion for music into a career, performing on stages across the U.S. and abroad.
His debut single, “How Do You Choose,” struck a chord with listeners as it detailed his personal loss and healing journey. His EP “I’m America” (released May 2024) celebrates the unity and diversity that make the country beautiful—a reflection of the values that inspired him to enlist in the Army.
Now signed with Black River Entertainment, Hasting continues to inspire through his music while giving back to the veteran community through organizations like CreatiVets and Guitars 4 Vets.
Encore: Music as Therapy
Guardian Revival’s Encore program provides opportunities for guardians to learn, write, play, record, and share music as a way to process emotions and share their stories.
Encore’s Tracks take this to the next level by helping guardians professionally write, record, and release their original music. This process not only fosters healing but also offers a potential professional path forward in music. The performances at Revive & Thrive were a testament to the program’s impact and the powerful voices within our community.
Join the Mission
Revive & Thrive 2024 was a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of sharing stories that matter. The premieres of the Boots & Paws and Another Summit documentaries captured the heart of our mission and the lives we strive to impact every day.
We couldn’t achieve this impact without the support of our community, and we are committed to reaching & helping more guardians in 2025 and beyond. If these stories inspired you, here’s how you can get involved:
Donate: Your contribution helps us expand these programs and reach more guardians. (Other ways to support GR.)
Volunteer: Be part of our mission by supporting events, training programs, or outreach efforts. Learn more.
Share: Help spread the word about Guardian Revival by sharing these films on social media. Don’t forget to tag us @guardianrevival!
Participate: Guardians (and their families) are invited to join our events — for free!
