Feb. 8, 2017

NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2017) takes place this week in Fort Worth, TX, and in addition to offering attendees educational and networking opportunities, the event also provides them with a chance to “pay it forward” to the host community.

This year attendees participated in packing “Ana’s Baskets” to benefit Safe Haven of Tarrant County, a non-profit organization that exists to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change, explained Danielle Gordon, chairwoman of the Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee. These “Ana’s Baskets” – laundry baskets filled with household cleaning supplies from sponges to soap to shower curtains – will assist Safe Haven clients as they begin new lives free from domestic violence.

The baskets are named for Ana, a survivor of domestic violence and former client and resident of Safe Haven, and are provided free of charge to families when their time with the organization concludes.

More than 100 volunteers packed 30 baskets with about $3,100 in supplies on Feb. 7, prior to the opening of SDC2017.

SDC2017 attendees pack 'Ana's Baskets'

But conference attendees don’t stop there – this week they’ll also donate clean, ready-to-wear clothing and sample personal items to area charities. Additionally, furniture purchased specifically for the conference will be donated to the local YMCA, noted Jo Domato, CAM, NBAA’s committee staff liaison.

Bob Ocon, a New York-based FAA employee in attendance at the conference, stopped by the basket-packing event, to lend a hand, and also deliver a cash donation to Safe Haven. “I think it’s important for any big organization to do things like this,” he said. “We’re all fortunate to be here and we should give back.”

Barb Reese, in-kind donations coordinator for Safe Haven, said it was “heartwarming” to have a group from out of the area make this sort of contribution, adding all items would be put to good use.

“We’re so excited at NBAA that the Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee, our advisory council, they take the lead every year in making sure that we leave something for the community that is hosting us,” Damato said. “I love working with these volunteers. They are always looking for a way to give back.”

Learn more about Safe Haven of Tarrant County.