(L to R) Airport Authority Commissioners Steven Leskovich, Robert Hancik and T.J. Thornberry
(L to R) Ray Laroche, Brett White, Chad Rosenstein, Kaley Miller and Kristen Szych proudly supporting UWCC.
2025 Aviation Gives Back Benefits Local United Way
Punta Gorda, FL (Feb. 27, 2025) – The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) is pleased to announce it raised $6,000 during its third annual Aviation Gives Back Campaign to support the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC).
“I am excited to share that we nearly matched donations and engagment from last year’s campaign – all in support of UWCC’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty in Charlotte County,” said PGD’s CEO James W. Parish. “Through Aviation Gives Back, our airport community joined together for food, prize drawings and fun – all while helping our neighbors that are struggling to meet basic needs and support their own families.”
The employee-led campaign included a chili cookoff fundraiser in December, plus a celebratory BBQ and Chance Auction drawings on Feb. 25, 2025. While most of the monetary donations were contributed by CCAA employees, Airport Authority Commissioners and airport tenants also made personal contributions to make the campaign a success.
In addition, 15 supporting businesses donated Chance Auction items for prize drawings, and were celebrated as “PGD’s Local Favorites” online and on Facebook.
“I’d like to thank all our employees and partners that donated their hard-earned money, time and effort to make this campaign a success! We look forward to engaging more airport partners and tenants for our 2026 campaign,” said Parish.
Special thanks to Allegiant, Sunseeker Resort, Suncoast Biplanes, Pomegranate & Fig Boutique, Smuggler’s Enterprises, Dubz BBQ, Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club, Knapp Outdoor Expeditions, Punta Gorda Adventures, FlyBright Pilot Academy, and Titan Aviation Fuels for donating gifts valued at $200 or more.
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Can You Sponsor or Donate Prizes for our Next Campaign? Email Kaley at KMiller@FlyPGD.com for more info!