Performance in 2006 is especially noteworthy given that 2005 results included over $1 million in what some called "non-repeatable" gifts — contributions made in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Not only did the Foundation convert hundreds of these "one-time" donors into "repeat" contributors, but it increased gifts of cash and cash equivalents by over 15%, triple the national average for non-profit growth in 2006.

In addition to the $8 million received in 2006, Foundation staff solicited and secured a $2 million charitable remainder trust (CRT). CRTs enable donors to contribute property like securities, artwork or real estate, but receive income from these assets for a specific period of time. They enable donors to avoid estate and capital gains tax, provide for loved ones, and receive immediate tax deductions. In this case, a donor who was rescued by the Coast Guard (and wishes to remain anonymous), established a trust to benefit Coast Guard units after he and his wife pass away. At that time, the trust could be worth significantly more than $2 million.

Counting this CRT, the Foundation actually secured $10 million in 2006 — twice what it raised in 2004. Fewer than 1% of the 1.6 million American charities matched this growth.