For the second year, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation has presented $10,000 checks to the five aviation charities receiving the most support from pilots casting votes for their favorite among the twenty finalists announced in March.
This year’s recipients are:
The Civil Air Patrol: This additional funding will be used to expand their Aerospace Connections in Education program that provides training materials for elementary teachers that foster good-natured and healthy citizens who will hopefully develop an interest in and appreciation for aerospace, and inspire the workforce of the next generation.
Mission Aviation Fellowship: Last year, MAF’s fleet of 58 aircraft executed 33,365 flights, logged 2.5 million nautical miles, transported 94,961 passengers and delivered more than 9 million pounds of cargo — all on 1,700 rough, unimproved dirt and grass airstrips, as well as waterways. Their grant will be used to continue their efforts to overcome barriers and transform lives through aviation and technology.
The Ninety-Nines, Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund: Because the aviation community is in need of qualified female pilots to meet the need for training and commerce, this scholarship was established in 1941 to provide education advancement in aviation for future women pilot members of the Ninety-Nines. This grant will make more scholarships available.
Recreational Aviation Foundation: With help from this organization, pilots will be able to explore more of the backcountry in all 50 states. Always taking the high road to creating collaborative relationships with both public and private land managers, they are successfully moving forward with creating new airstrips. Funds will be used for research and assisting state organizations in pursuing the RAF mission.
Wings of Hope: The approach of this humanitarian assistance organization is long-term. Their goal is to not only help the needy survive, but to enable them to become self-sufficient. Their outreach includes a free Medical Relief and Transport program that brings critically needed medical care to the underserved poor in 25 Midwestern states. This grant will be used to support their efforts and to expand the service to more of those facing severe health challenges in rural areas where care is unavailable.
In addition to these awards, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation also awarded a check for $12,000 to the AOPA Foundation, representing the first of 20 designated gifts as part of the Customer Choice Awards. These funds come from gifts designated by new Lightspeed product purchasers at the time they register their product.
Allan Schrader, founder and president of the Lightspeed Foundation, says that he continues to be extremely moved by the good work being done by all of these charities. “Last year our grants totaled more than $100,000 and it is truly amazing to know just how far our contribution can go toward helping these worthy aviation charities achieve their goals.”
