The Gift is in the Giving

If you’re like most people, you receive a multitude of direct mail solicitations for everything from famine relief to historic preservation.  Many are seeking your inclusion through a membership program. Some entice with ‘premiums’.

While we all have specific causes that touch our hearts and often make sacrificial gifts to those, we're always mindful of the level we're encouraged to give in return for a gift or premium.  Is the anticipation of the gift the reason we give or choose to associate with through a membership program?  Perhaps it is for some, but perhaps not for the vast majority. 

Many people already have enough caps, tote bags and plush animals; you may feel that way as well. Some people even request the organization not to send anything, rationalizing that in the absence of the gift more of the contribution will be used for the mission.  But, is this true?  Probably not.

So, why should you join with us by contributing to Angel Flight™ Southeast? There's no premium or gift we send you in return.  Or, is there?  Perhaps the gift we all receive is that our gift is given to so many others, like:

• A Veteran we transported to the VA Blind Rehab Center in West Palm Beach, FL for his scheduled 4-6 weeks training session.  Only a few days prior to his discharge from the program, he received a call that his wife had suffered a massive stroke that morning and probably would not live until lunch.  We scrambled together, put out a broadcast to our wonderful volunteer pilots and within 15 minutes had a pilot.  Within 45 minutes he was in the air and was able to spend those last few precious minutes with his wife before she passed away. 
• Young Lily, a 9-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Lily had been undergoing radiation treatment 5 days a week for 2 long months and was finally ready to go home.  She knew she couldn’t withstand the 6-hour car ride. Neither Lily nor her father had ever flown before.  We were able to successfully transport them home and make her big day a special occasion as well.
• Debbie (41 years old) was diagnosed with Lyme disease in January, 2008.  She is a married mother of four boys, 13 year-old twins, an 8 year-old and a 14 year old. Debbie and her husband Mark had traveled by car to see a specialist for this illness 3 times.  The drive took four hours each way.  To be able to fly as Angel Flight™ Southeast passengers was “wonderful”.  Debbie and Mark were ‘truly humbled’ by the experience. Because Debbie wasn’t exhausted by the long drive, she was able to home-school her children the next day!

It's been said a gift is something we give others and a present is something we give ourselves.  The gifts we give Angel Flight™ Southeast is a magnificent gift to others, but also to each of us.  The gift of hope has no price tag or giving level. 
 
In becoming a member of Angel Flight™ Southeast you'll be an active partner in our work.  You will literally be changing lives and in many cases, saving lives. Beyond your own membership, please consider gift memberships for family or friends.  Because our volunteer pilots donate the use of their time, aircraft, fuel and expertise, Angel Flight™ Southeast is able to return $5.00 in service for every $1.00 received.  This is truly a case of ‘the gift is in the giving’.

Angel Flight™ Southeast
Membership Program
Membership Levels and Benefits

$5,000 – President’s League
$500.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate matted and framed
Prominent recognition and profile in newsletter
Prominent recognition and profile in the Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$2,500 – Chairman’s Circle
$250.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate matted and framed
Prominent recognition in newsletter
Prominent recognition in the Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$1,000 - Wing Command
$100.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate suitable for framing
Recognition in newsletter
Recognition in the Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$500 – Patron
$50 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate suitable for framing
Recognition in newsletter
Recognition in the Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$250 – Benefactor
$25.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate suitable for framing
Recognition in newsletter
Recognition in the Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$100 – Family
$10.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate suitable for framing
Recognition in newsletter
Recognition in Annual Report
Invitation to special events, locally and region-wide

$50.00 – Individual
$5.00 to benefit the endowment fund
Charter Member certificate suitable for framing
Recognition in newsletter
Recognition in the Annual Report

$25.00 – Seniors/Students
Charter Member certificate
Recognition in newsletter

The Endowment Fund for Angel Flight™ Southeast

Your contribution through membership directly supports the operation of Angel Flight™ Southeast and incrementally provides an investment in the future of Angel Flight™ Southeast through the endowment campaign to insure the stability and future of our organization.