Great Bend Pilot club met on Oct. 18 to celebrate the 101 years of community service of Pilot Club. Pilot International’s mission is to influence positive change in communities worldwide. To do this, the club comes together in their local communities in friendship and service, focusing on encouraging brain safety and health and supporting those who care for others. 

It all started on Oct. 16, 1921, when the 40 charter members of Pilot International came together to sign the original Pilot Charter. Two days later, buoyed by their excitement and their collective cause, they gathered again to dine, celebrate and conduct the first official Pilot Club meeting on Oct. 18, 1921, in Macon Ga. From that day on, Pilots around the world gather together to meet, celebrate and honor Oct. 18 as Founders Day. 

Great Bend Pilots met with Mayor Cody Schmidt to Proclaim Oct. 17-23 as Pilot International Founders Week. Pilot International has been true to its mission to serve communities throughout the world for 101 years and the Pilot Club of Great Bend has served Great Bend and Barton County for more than 34 years. 

Four new members were initiated and the club welcomes any with interest in joining the service organization.

The next initiation for new members will be Nov. 29 at the club’s after-hours meeting. Contact Joyce Beadles-Fry or Nancy Schuetz to learn more.