Denise Wilson of Desert Jet sponsored an intimate gathering last month on behalf of Angel Flight West, where 50 people enjoyed appetizers and a tour of the Estancia Bougainvillea, a lovely estate in Indio.
Executive Director Josh Olson led a short presentation about Angel Flight West’s mission:
Angel Flight West is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. A network of 1,400 pilots throughout the 13 western states donate their aircraft, piloting skills, and all flying costs to help families in need, enabling them to receive vital treatment that might otherwise be inaccessible because of financial, medical, or geographic limitations.
Other speakers included two patients who have benefited from AFW as well as two pilots who shared their experiences.
While the pilots donate all flight costs, it costs $250 per mission in administrative fees to schedule and manage these flights. Last year, AFW arranged over 5,000 missions throughout the 13 western states, all at no cost to the passengers or health care facilities.
Through the generosity of the guests, the cost of 60 flights was donated. To learn more about Angel Flight West, visit www.angelflightwest.org, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/angelflightwest.
http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2015/03/21/angel-flight-west-desert-jet/25169573/