(Van Nuys, CA - February 26, 2018) Aerolease Associates and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) hosted a special group of visitors from the Children's Burn Foundation's Young Adult Survivors and Supporters for a unique and exciting afternoon of aviation.
Survivors, supporters and their families arrived to Aerolease Associates and were treated to a catered lunch before meeting and hearing from some of the aviation industry leaders and professionals from around Van Nuys Airport, including executives from Aerolease Associates, Pegasus Elite Aviation, Pursuit Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Sun Air Jets and VNY. Representatives from Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 90, LAFD Air Operations Station 114, VNY Police and Airport Operations were also present.
Guests were able to sample the flavor of VNY's aviation community with a tour of static aircraft and vehicle displays provided by host participants, including King Air and Gulfstream aircraft from Pegasus Elite Aviation, an Air Operations helicopter and ARFF truck from LAFD Air Operations Station 114, a fire truck from LAFD Fire Station 90, and VNY Police and Airport Operations vehicles. Tours of the VNY airfield were also given, giving visitors an up-close look at the daily operations and history behind one of the world's busiest general aviation airports.
"Aeroplex/Aerolease founder Milton A. Widelitz was a very active member of the Van Nuys Airport, an active philanthropist in several charities, and felt strongly about helping others," said Curt Castagna, President/CEO of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group. "Milton and his wife Misty were both active supporters of the Grossman Burn Center in the San Fernando Valley, where VNY is located. Even after his passing in 2010, members of his family, extended family and the Aerolease staff continue to support the Children's Burn Foundation mission and Milton's legacy of providing opportunities to the community."
Flora Margheritis, Van Nuys Airport Manager, added that "Partnerships with organizations like the Children's Burn Foundation, which provide such integral support services to those who have been impacted by tragedy or otherwise life-altering events, are a crucial component in fulfilling VNY's goals of giving and promoting opportunities for development and education. We are dedicated to introducing youth to the incredible potential within aviation, and we were exicted to give these survivors and their family members a unique opportunity to see our thriving airport in action."
The Children's Burn Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that dedicates its resources to support services for child burn survivors and their families. It provides treatment, emergency assistance, camps, counseling, and support, prevention and educational programs that reach more than 50,000 children and their families annually. For more information, visit www.childburn.org.
About Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
VNY is one of two airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council. One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to non-commercial air travel, VNY had over 230,000 operations in 2017. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies. Annually, the airport contributes approximately $2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
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