Premier Aircraft Sales To Organize Bahamas Support Mission
Contrary to the
impression one may have after listening to numerous Jimmy Buffett
songs, living in paradise isn't always what it's cracked up to
be... and sometimes, those living there need a helping hand.
On Monday, Ft. Lauderdale-based Premier Aircraft Sales launched
support for a community outreach program that seeks to leverage the
time, talent, and energy of the aviation community to support the
residents of the Bahamas as part of a special event called Bahamas
Habitat Fly-In and Help-Out.
"Living in paradise is not without its drawbacks," said John
Armstrong, Chairman of the Bahamas Habitat Aviation Committee.
"Atlantic storms ravage the fragile communities of the Bahamas
providing a seemingly endless source of demolition for
communities.
"There is never a shortage of reconstruction projects,"
Armstrong continued. "Our mission is two fold. First to coordinate
a workforce and make it convenient, safe and fun to fly to the
Bahamas to lend a hand. Second, to provide an opportunity for the
aviation community to give something back to another community in
desperate need through the Bahamas Habitat ministry. If you can
swing a hammer or carry some 2×4s, you’re
qualified."
The Fly-In Help Out event is scheduled for March 6-9, 2008 -- by
which time hurricane season will have passed, and flying conditions
should be ideal. Aviators interested in volunteering their aircraft
for transportation and their labor to a meaningful cause will fly
to the island of Eleuthera where they will work side-by-side with
local residents to restore homes and improve living conditions. The
weekend work camp is being hosted by the Bahamas Methodist Habitat
who will provide food, lodging and transportation.
The event is intended to expose people to the potential to make
a difference by supporting the vital ministry of the Bahamas
Habitat through their gifts and coordination of summer church and
youth groups. There will be social time among the hard work - both
experiences will create memories of a lifetime. For pilots who have
never flown from the United States to the Bahamas, the Bahamas
Habitat Fly In-Help Out trip will make the first excursion an easy
learning experience for future visits to this tropical
paradise.
The humanitarian fleet
will depart Premier’s Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE)
headquarters after enjoying a luncheon hosted by the company on
Thursday, March 6 and will arrive at Governor’s Harbour
(MYEM) as the port of entry.
As the Bahamas Habitat Aviation Committee is a non-profit
Christian relief mission, the flight and expenses are tax
deductible for pilots and participants.
"As a pilot, who doesn’t want a tax deductible reason to
fly to the Bahamas?" stated Earle Boyter, Vice President of Sales
for Premier Aircraft Sales, Inc. "For us, it’s about the
opportunity to support a ministry that fits our values and that we
can support uniquely using our aviation talents and resources. We
are encouraging our customers to join us for this event."