Annual Campaign Announced On 'Giving Tuesday'

When people invest their money into an organization, they want to be sure it will go very far. Mercy Flight Southeast is one organization that can boast a return on investment of $10 for every $1 received.

Today, as part of the global day dedicated to giving back, Mercy Flight Southeast is launching its 2014 Annual Campaign. Tuesday, December 2, 2014 has been designated a national day of giving when communities come together for one common purpose to celebrate generosity and to give.

Mercy Flight Southeast provides the coordination and operations that allow children and adults to have access to far-from-home medical treatment that can save their lives. The organization coordinates approximately 3,000 flights each year.

While its network of approximately 600 volunteer pilots provides the aircraft and fuel for the flights, Mercy Flight Southeast must pay for associated fees. The 2014 Annual Fund Campaign will help underwrite those costs and keep the volunteer pilots flying with their precious cargo.

“Mercy Flight Southeast is a proud recipient of the Independent Charities of American Seal of Approval,” said Steve Purello, CEO of Mercy Flight Southeast. “We keep a sharp eye on expenses and best practices so that we are able to manage costs to the point that every $100 donation gives the gift of one flight.”

Mercy Flight Southeast has benefited many families including the Bradbary’s of Key West Florida. Three-year-old Tiberius (pictured) was diagnosed with B-cell Lymphoma in the summer of 2013. Doctors at Miami Children’s Hospital ordered weekly chemotherapy treatments to beat the cancer which targets immune cells in the body.

“The prospect of a weekly four hour drive, each way, with a miserable toddler in the back seat was horrible,” said the father, Landon. “We contacted Mercy Flight Southeast and found our “Mercy in the air” in pilot Fouad “Sam” Samaha who signed up to take us for every treatment over the course of two months. It was such a relief.”

Tiberius is now an energetic four-year-old who is cancer free.

The Mercy Flight Southeast 2014 campaign is now underway and donors are asked to consider supporting this worthy organization.

FMI: www.MercyFlightSE.org/2014