March 14, 2018
California’s Van Nuys Airport (VNY) recently teamed up with Aeroplex/Aerolease Group to host a group of young adult burn survivors and their supporters from the Children’s Burn Foundation for a special afternoon of events and tours at the airport.
Cindy Goodfellow, Aeroplex/Aerolease vice-president, client and community relations, was lead organizer of the event, which was attended by 95 people, including 41 Children’s Burn Foundation children and their families.
“Coming together for this special day further illustrates that the entire airport family here at VNY really cares about our communities,” said Diana Sanchez, VNY Airport director of public and community relations.
Attendees heard from the VNY community, including executives from Aerolease, Pegasus Elite Aviation, Pursuit Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Sun Air Jets and VNY administration. Representatives from Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station 90, LAFD Air Operations Station 114, VNY police and airport operations were also present. Tours of the airfield gave visitors an up-close look at the daily operations and history behind one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports.
“Aeroplex/Aerolease founder Milton A. Widelitz was a very active member of the Van Nuys Airport community and he felt strongly about helping others,” said Aeroplex/Aerolease Group President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Milton and his wife Misty were both active supporters of the Grossman Burn Center in the San Fernando Valley, where VNY is located. Even after his passing in 2010, members of his family and the Aerolease staff continue to support the Children’s Burn Foundation mission and Milton’s legacy of providing opportunities to the community.”
Airport Manager Flora Margheritis added, “Partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Burn Foundation are a crucial component in fulfilling VNY’s goals of giving back, and promoting opportunities for development and education.
“We are dedicated to introducing youth to the incredible potential within aviation, and we were excited to give these survivors and their family members a unique opportunity to see our thriving airport in action.”