dispatches from the new world of work

Lifesavers with Wings

It made my heart soar to read yesterday's entry at WomensWallStreet.com, "The Daily Cents." It described a program that takes innovation and strategic partnering to the skies. Based in White Plains, New York, Corporate Angel Network CorpAngelNetwork.org arranges free air travel for cancer patients, and for donors and recipients of bone marrow transplants, to help them get to treatment centers across the country.

At an office donated by Westchester County Airport, approximately 50 part-time volunteers and a handful of paid staff work with patients and families, physicians and treatment facilities to coordinate thousands of flights a year. They also work with major corporations that donate money or, even better, seats on their corporate jets. Over 500 top corporations, including a number from the Fortune 500, take part in the program.

It's good to know that there is a story of good will and generosity from America's business community, along with all the stories of greed and corruption we read so often (Enron, Tyco, WorldCom, et al.). Let your heart soar. Visit their website and consider contributing to their efforts.

Pam Brill posted this on 02/05/05.

Comments

Pam-

What a nice post with which to start the day! I am fortunate to be working for an interntional humanitarian non-profit and get to see this side of human nature on a daily basis.

My organization works with civilian victims of war. That I am able to see the consequences of our more destructive nature, as well as the side of humanity that gives expecting nothing in return, I am fortunate indeed.

Posted by James Hathaway at February 5, 2005 11:50 AM

I am a member of Angel Flight, an organization of private pilots in light aircraft who ferry patients in and out of small, remote areas to the major medical centers in and around major cities.

Angel Flight members also transport perishable medical supplies to patients who live out in remote areas.

All participants are volunteers and we pay our own expenses.

It's a great way to integrate our passion for flying with helping folks in need.

Posted by Erick Blackwelder at February 5, 2005 11:55 PM

What a wonderful idea. It's great to hear stories like this and know that many companies are using their innovation for more than the bottom line. Thanks, Pam, for introducing us to CAN.

Posted by M. R. Maguire at February 6, 2005 5:08 PM

The Global 100 Corporation I work for has a small fleet of corporate jets to ferry employees (not just execs) among our US offices. I am proud to say that our company is an active member of Corporate Angels, averaging 1 to 2 flights per month.

There is another amazing example of generousity in the world of corporate/general aviation; the Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift. Started in 1987, corporate and private owners of Cessna Citation aircraft have donated their planes, crew and fuel to charter Special Olympic Athletes to the World Summer Games. It is huge undertaking that literally surpassed that of the Berlin Airlift. 400 Citations will land or takeoff every 30-60 seconds during a 12-hour period in the upcoming 2006 Summer Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Haven't heard about it? That is by design...it is not widely publisized...organizers do not want the Airlift to detract attention away from the Games and the Athletes. Do you or your firm have a Citation available next year? If so, contact Cessna.

Posted by John Lariviere at February 6, 2005 9:40 PM

Tom Peters talks about the power of experiences that take our breath away. I am in awe at the generosity of the organizations cited in these posts--and of those of you who have posted here. I too believe in quiet giving and in teaching my daughters that quiet giving is the gift that keeps on giving both to those to whom you give and to yourself. When it comes to giving, I believe that there is no better way to change your perspective or to change your own life. Thank you for your posts.

Posted by Pam Brill at February 11, 2005 1:40 PM