ATLANTA — Ga. — Pilot Club of Great Bend had three members attend the 100th International Convention in Atlanta, Ga. Renee Johnson Charter member and Past District Governor, Mary Cramer Past Club Secretary and district awards Chair and Rhonda Knudson Club President and Delegate, from the Great Bend Pilot club was recognized on the international stage for awards in Club Visibility, Community Service Hours, and “Pick me Ups” for local caregivers and organizations in the community.  

Pilot International and the Great Bend club are 501(c)3 community-based volunteer service organizations, Pilot International was founded in 1921 in Macon, Ga. on the principles of “Friendship and Service.” The name “Pilot” was inspired by the mighty riverboat pilots of that day who represented leadership and guidance. Pilots carry out their motto to “Do More, Care More and Be More” by providing financial and hands-on support for national and local initiatives in keeping with its causes of youth development & leadership; brain safety & fitness; and caring for families in times of need.   

At the 100 Anniversary convention Pilot International announced its, Envision 100, Celebrating 100 years...Charting a course to award 100 Grants and Scholarships to commemorate Pilot International’s 100 years of service. Over 70 years strong, the Pilot International Founders Fund offers grants and scholarships annually to clubs, districts, and individuals creating a positive impact on communities and students around the world. It was established to further Pilot Internationals’ humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of others through education, volunteerism, financial support and research. 

Pilot International’s Founders Fund is financed by donations from generous members, partners and sponsors. Pilot International has given over 3.2 million to deserving students and Clubs and Districts. For more information on Pilot International’s Grants and Scholarships, please visit their website. www.pilotinternational.org/envision100. 

Keshani Perera, a Pilot International Ruby Newhall Scholarship recipient and Doctoral Candidate wrote, “This award is going to assist me significantly. I had been considering discontinuing the program due to financial struggles, and I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to remain in the program my final year.” 

Grant Programs like the Pilot International Helmet People initiative and events like the Family Fun Bicycle Ride held at the County Fair July 10th with our community partners, Be Well Barton County, K-State Extension services, Golden Belt Bicycle and the Great Bend Policy Department –helps our community focus on personal safety when bike riding. At the Fair event there were many bike helmets fitted by Pilot Club members and given away to young and old alike so everyone rides safe.

Rhonda Knudson, President of the Pilot Club of Great Bend, said about this Helmet initiative, “This is not our first event, but we have had many children say it was the first helmet they had ever had and wanted extras to give to their siblings. It was very heart tugging and heartwarming at the same time, and a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the biking families and children in our community.”