Helping Cancer Patients Fight Their Battles
The 20th Annual Greater Washington Aviation Open (GWAO), the
largest aviation charity event in the Washington DC area, raised a
record $140,000 for Corporate Angel Network (CAN), the non-profit
that arranges free flights to treatment for cancer patients using
empty seats on corporate flights.
Held on May 5 at Lansdowne Resort in Virginia, tournament
attendees included senior leadership from major aviation
associations, airlines, aerospace manufacturers, high-level
representation from Capitol Hill, and Federal agencies. More than
90 major aviation corporations and associations participated
representing 37 states and several countries.
The GWAO tournament has raised more than $1,250,000 for
Corporate Angel Network. This year’s Honorary Chairman was
Cessna President and CEO Jack Pelton, who is also a member of
Corporate Angel Network’s Board of Directors.
After a day of golf and tennis, participants enjoyed the Victory
Reception and Awards Banquet featuring a live auction. "Flights of
Fancy" around the world travel and resort accommodations were
donated by airlines and hotels; these included business-class
travel packages to Europe and Asia and first-class tickets and
packages to US destinations and resorts, and a type rating in a
Cessna Mustang Jet donated by Flight Safety International.
CAN participating corporations were well represented among the
donors and bidders. A check for $140,000 was presented to CAN by
the GWAO Board of Directors. "Every year the support for CAN by the
aviation community grows stronger," said GWAO Tournament Director
Paul Bollinger, "and this year, our 20th anniversary, proved to be
the greatest ever."
"The funds raised here and donated to Corporate Angel Network
are instrumental in our ability to continue to provide and expand
our service," said CAN’s Executive Director, Peter Fleiss
during the check presentation. "We now fly three times the number
of cancer patients we flew just eight years ago. On behalf of the
thousands of cancer patients we’ve helped in the past, and
the thousands more we will fly in the future, we'd like to thank
the entire GWAO tournament committee for the time and exceptional
effort they extend, year after year, for an incredible 20 years
now, in order to put together this great event."
Hosted yearly by the aviation industry, the Greater Washington
Aviation Open (GWAO) was established in 1989 by a group of aviation
executives as a means for aviation companies to support a worthy
cause related to air transportation while enjoying a day of sports
and camaraderie. The GWAO has raised more than $1.25 million for
CAN over the past 20 years.