PALM BEACH, Florida — Jet Aviation held its annual La Bella Macchina, a showcase of high-performance machinery Jan. 22, to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
More than 1,000 guests attended the annual soiree to view displays of business aircraft and Ferrari automobiles to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County by participating in a silent auction.
Held each year in conjunction with the Cavallino Classic, La Bella Macchina (“The Beautiful Machine”) features more than 100 classic and late-model Ferraris alongside an array of business aircraft models from many of the world’s leading manufacturers.
Prior to the event, Jet Aviation hosted an aviation career seminar and tour for 60 children who are members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to educate them about the importance of business aviation and career opportunities within the industry.
While on the tour, the children met with Pete Bunce, president & CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Tom Hendricks, president of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), and Amparo Calatayud, manager of FlightSafety’s learning center in West Palm Beach.
They also had the opportunity to visit different OEM static displays and speak with personnel who work in a variety of positions, organizers noted.
“La Bella Macchina gives us the opportunity to raise awareness for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to a new group of people,” said Noel Martinez, vice president of corporate partnerships & special events, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “The proceeds of the auction have raised more than $100,000 over the years for our much needed programs. Through these quality programs, the club experience provides our 6,000 members with the guidance they need to make a healthy transition from childhood to young adulthood. The Boys & Girls Club is extremely fortunate to have such a strong community partner like Jet Aviation.”
“Jet Aviation is excited to promote business aviation career opportunities for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County,” said David Paddock, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Aircraft Services. “Our industry offers a wide range of challenging career paths from pilots to maintenance technicians, and the demand continues to grow with the increasing number of aircraft in the global fleet.”