100 Women Who Care Elkhart County give to Friendship Flights
February 18, 2025
Goshen, Indiana — A group of volunteer pilots who help others will get a lift from a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County.
Friendship Flights first started in the 1990s when pilot and Goshen Airport Manager Randy Sharkey volunteered to fly a few families during a travel emergency. This action sparked a domino effect of volunteer pilots, who wanted to use their time and planes for the greater good. While Friendship Flights primarily serves the Goshen area, they also have been involved in various relief missions, including the Carolinas and Haiti. The organization provides free flights to people in need, as well as offering educational experiences for youth.
Jane Troup, a longtime member of 100 Women Who Care, nominated Friendship Flights in the January meeting. The money will fuel even more flights. “We are a completely volunteer-run organization, none of the pilots are paid,” said Sharkey. “They are all giving their time.” Their services are available to any Elkhart County resident in need of assistance. They have flown veterans to medical appointments, allowed aspiring students to practice, and returned service animals to their families.
The Friendship Flights team and members from 100 Women were excited by this first-time grant and pleased and to know this money will help others in the community.
The next 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County meeting is 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, at Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St., Elkhart.
About 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County
In the summer of 2014, Jenny Welch and Sheila Terlep organized the 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County chapter, gathering local women who care deeply about Elkhart County and give generously to see their communities thrive. Throughout the last ten years, more than 200 women have given to the Elkhart County chapter to support local causes. The group has awarded over $425,000 to local organizations serving Elkhart County residents. The 100 Women Who Care is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.
To learn more, go to: www.inspiringgood.org/organization/100-women-who-care-elkhart-county
About Community Foundation of Elkhart County
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1989, the Community Foundation has helped generous donors meet community needs, provide scholarship opportunities to local students, and make grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Elkhart County. The Community Foundation strives to be a local entity known for inspiring good and impacting success. To learn more, go to www.inspiringgood.org
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