A message from our Board President: As the President of the Board of Trustees attending various Fly Day events around the country, I have always been impressed with the many dedicated pilots that volunteer their time, their airplane, and their fuel without any question or complaint. At some events they will fly 5 to 7 or more missions of 30 to 45 minutes each from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Amazingly, some pilots fly at several events each year. They patiently wait their turn until their flights are called. They fly their missions without argument or excuse. They positively encourage the child, charm the parent(s), and thank the volunteer flight loaders. To have the honor of helping children with special needs, they personally pay hundreds of dollars in the cost of fuel, time on the airplane, and engine expense reserve. At the end of the day, they tell me they are physical exhausted but mentally grateful to be so lucky to be so helpful to such a great cause. I know, I can relate personally. On a few occasions I’ve had the good fortune of being a volunteer pilot. It’s a feeling of unbelievable gratitude. We appreciate the fact that without these people, without our pilots and their airplanes, we simply would not be in business.

To our volunteer pilots, the 20 to 30 different men and women at 14 Fly Day events around the country each year, thank you so much, again and again. We are lucky and blessed to have you. Sincerely, Griffin W. Collie

Meet April Culver, Executive Director and CEO April Culver joined Challenge Air for Kids and Friends as Executive Director/CEO in October, 2010. April brings 30 years of fundraising, event planning and executive leadership experience to the task, having previously served in senior roles at Texas Christian University, Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross, Tri Delta Foundation, Cancer Research Foundation, American Heart Association and Special Olympics of Texas. April is a native Texan and began fundraising in the late 80’s while serving as an adapted physical education teacher raising money to better serve the students she was training.

April holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from TCU and a Master’s in Adapted Physical Education from Texas Woman’s University. April has 2 adult children and is also a proud grandma to 3 year-old Hendrix, her favorite past-time! Her hobbies include fossil hunting, cycling, gardening and hiking. She loves to travel and enjoys finding the beauty of God’s creation in the outdoors! Oprah Winfrey once said “you love your job if you would do it for free” and that’s how April feels about serving as Executive Director for Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

YOU can make a difference. Help us spread the word and educate other families and volunteers by sharing your experience. Submit your testimonial on our website. Share Your Story

Don't Miss out! Registration is open for our annual Fly Days. We're excited to welcome volunteers, pilots and families with special needs children. Remember, p articipants must be registered. Register Now!

You can change the way a child sees their disability by lifting their spirits and encouraging them to believe in themselves. All it takes is a donation. Big or small–every little bit helps. We have the power to do great in the lives of these children.

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