The Pilot Club of Great Bend membership each year chooses members that exemplify the attributes of a Pilot. The members chosen as the Pilot International Founders Fund (PIFF) Ambassador must be active in an assigned role within the club, promote and support the aims of Pilot International and its activities, and be active in a project that exemplifies the brain-related service focus of Pilot International and be faithful in attending meetings and give generously of their time to assist with service projects and fundraising activities.
Ruthann Friedrich and Ros Neeland were named our 2020-2021 Pilot International Founders Fund Ambassadors. Nancy Schuetz, the 2021-2022 PIFF representative, awarded this honor, noting Ros and Ruthann are both relatively new members but have exhibited outstanding dedication by their generosity of time and talent, and willingness to serve our community. The Great Bend club will honor them by sending a donation in their names to PIFF, where the Ambassador donations go to help the Safe Harbor Fund that helps Pilots in need after a local or personal catastrophe.
The Pilot Club of Great Bend supports the efforts of Pilot International through PIFF, which was established to support the community-based work of Pilot Clubs by helping to underwrite efforts to serve in the areas of Preparing Youth for Service, Encouraging Brain Safety & Health, and Supporting those who Care for Others. PIFF assists local Pilot Clubs in their efforts through an extensive grant program that has disbursed over $3.2 million. The PIFF also provides scholarships that support graduate and undergraduate students working in fields related to Pilot International’s main areas of service focus. PIFF was established to further Pilot Internationals’ and local clubs, like Great Bend Pilot Club’s, humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of others through education, volunteerism, financial support and research.
With 2021 being the 100th anniversary of Pilot International, they have announced, “Envision 100, Celebrating 100 years ... Charting a course to award 100 Grants and Scholarships.”
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 and leadership; brain safety and fitness; and caring for families in times of need.
Pilots are people who want to give back to their communities. Pilots come from all walks of life. They’re your neighbors, your co-workers and relatives. Together they are a tremendously positive force all around the world.
