Orlando, FL, Nov. 3, 2016 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Corporate Angel Network (CAN) announced today that the two organizations’ annual charity event raised $446,931 to help fund CAN’s decades-long work to transport cancer patients to treatment centers.
The amount was raised through the NBAA/CAN Soiree, which took place at the Orlando Hilton, on Nov. 2, in conjunction with NBAA’s annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
As in previous years, the funds were largely generated through live and silent auctions at the center of the event. More than 70 donors generously provided items, and more than 1,000 bids were placed, as part of the two auctions.
The event also featured opening remarks from authors and political analysts James Carville and Mary Matalin, and music from DJ Pop RoXxX.
CAN is the only charitable entity in the United States with a sole mission to help cancer patients access the best possible treatment for their specific cancer type, through the arrangement of free air travel to facilities aboard business aircraft. In April, CAN made its 50,000th flight serving a cancer patient; in December, the organization will celebrate its 35th year in operation.
CAN Executive Director Gina Russo said, “We very much appreciate the industry’s involvement in CAN’s work, as illustrated by the hundreds of companies flying CAN missions for cancer patients year-round, as well as through participation in this event. The contributions raised through the soiree will help ensure CAN’s work can continue, and we thank those who attended.”
“Business aviation has long supported a host of humanitarian and charitable organizations, and that was again demonstrated by the strong participation in this year’s soiree,” noted NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are pleased that the event was another success.”
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 11,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.