CFH - History

Children's Flight of Hope was founded in 1991 by two volunteer pilots who had each personally witnessed the need for dependable, affordable air transportation for children in need of medical treatment at facilities far from their homes. Far too often they found that while the treatment required by a sick child was available, the funding to get the child to the appropriate facility was not. Al and Richard initially envisioned providing air transportation for just a few children a year, without any charge to the families. The organization received its 501(c)(3) status and flew one child in its first year of operation.

A few important milestones mark the organization's growth. The first Children's Flight of Hope Pro-Am Golf Tournament was organized in 1993 and it remains our most important fundraising event today. In 1994, Children's Flight of Hope became a founding member of the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations dedicated to community service. In 1995, the organization took a huge step and purchased its own aircraft, a twin-engine Piper Navajo. This aircraft enabled us to expand our service and accommodate a three-person crew plus the child and one parent. In 1998, our current board structure was established and our by-laws amended to allow for the election of a board with up to 13 voting members. In June 2002, we hired our first paid employee, an Executive Director, to focus full-time effort on fundraising and growing the organization. By 2006, our mission requests had grown tremendously and we hired a Mission Coordinator in addition to our Executive Director to help us better serve children and families in need.

Our history provides us with a solid foundation, a strong network, and an experienced governing board. This history combined with our current momentum will enable us to reach the goals we have set for our future.

		History
		Children's Flight of Hope was founded in 1991 by two volunteer pilots who had each personally witnessed the need for dependable, affordable air transportation for children in need of medical treatment at facilities far from their homes. Far too often they found that while the treatment required by a sick child was available, the funding to get the child to the appropriate facility was not. Al and Richard initially envisioned providing air transportation for just a few children a year, without any charge to the families. The organization received its 501(c)(3) status and flew one child in its first year of operation. A few important milestones mark the organization's growth. The first Children's Flight of Hope Pro-Am Golf Tournament was organized in 1993 and it remains our most important fundraising event today. In 1994, Children's Flight of Hope became a founding member of the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations dedicated to community service. In 1995, the organization took a huge step and purchased its own aircraft, a twin-engine Piper Navajo. This aircraft enabled us to expand our service and accommodate a three-person crew plus the child and one parent. In 1998, our current board structure was established and our by-laws amended to allow for the election of a board with up to 13 voting members. In June 2002, we hired our first paid employee, an Executive Director, to focus full-time effort on fundraising and growing the organization. By 2006, our mission requests had grown tremendously and we hired a Mission Coordinator in addition to our Executive Director to help us better serve children and families in need. Our history provides us with a solid foundation, a strong network, and an experienced governing board. This history combined with our current momentum will enable us to reach the goals we have set for our future.

Copyright 2008 © Childrens Flight of Hope