NBAA-BACE will serve as a venue to highlight the philanthropic spirit of the industry when it gathers next month in Las Vegas, ranging from a display of The Pink Jet to the annual Fund an Angel fundraiser and the gathering of the Young Professionals for a “Helpy Hour” to support disadvantaged students.
“Business aviation has a proud legacy of supporting people and communities in need,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are honored to carry on this tradition at NBAA-BACE and applaud all those who plan to take part in these efforts.”
Returning to NBAA-BACE this year is the brightly pink-painted L-39 Albatros military trainer jet to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, as well as to inspire young women in aviation. The Pink Jet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and raising funds for breast cancer organizations, had one of the more popular displays during the 2024 NBAA-BACE.
“We at The Pink Jet are honored to once again be a part of the largest business aviation conference in the world. Our shared values of promoting community, caring for each other, and delivering excellence makes this perfect partnership,” said The Pink Jet president and pilot Stephanie Goetz. “It’s particularly special to be at NBAA-BACE during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where we aim to spread awareness on this deadly disease, promote early detection, support survivors and those who lost loved ones to the disease.”
Fund an Angel is the Corporate Angel Network’s (CAN) largest annual fundraiser. CAN arranges transportation for cancer patients on empty seats of aircraft. To be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 15 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on the Waterbleau Terrace during NBAA-BACE, Fund an Angel hosts a silent auction and fundraising while gathering NBAA-BACE attendees for an evening of networking and refreshments.
“Fund an Angel plays a vital role in allowing us to do what we do best—connect cancer patients with the treatment they need, when they need it most,” said CAN president and CEO Robert Stangarone. “NBAA’s continued support and the generosity of the business aviation community make each mission possible. This event is a powerful reminder of how our industry can come together to save lives.”
Meanwhile, the NBAA Young Professionals (YoPro) Council will hold its annual YoPro Networking Reception and Helpy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center Paradise Bridge. During the Helpy Hour event, which is sponsored by Signature Aviation, the YoPro Council is hosting a hands-on community service project: assembling school supply kits for students in need. The project is being conducted in partnership with Project 150, a Las Vegas organization that provides free support and services to homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students.
“Our Helpy Hours remain one of the most impactful initiatives led by the YoPro Council,” said Ashley Granada, NBAA senior marketing manager and co-staff liaison to the council. “By sharing our time, energy, and compassion, we’re not just supporting our communities, but helping shape a culture in business aviation that values service as much as success.”