American Airlines Creates Party in the Sky for Make-A-Wish® Kids and Their Families

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
Wednesday, 7 November 2001

American Airlines, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America, and Give Kids The World Take to the Skies for Sixth Annual WishFlight

(PHOENIX) November 7, 2001 -- On Friday, November 9, 2001, an American Airlines charter Boeing 757 will take to the skies, carrying 14 children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their families for the trip of a lifetime. Following a send-off celebration at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the sixth annual WishFlight will whisk wish kids and their families on a flying celebration to Walt Disney World in Central Florida. This year, WishFlight will carry kids from Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Panama to their dream destination. During their visit, families will stay at Give Kids The World Village, a 51-acre, nonprofit resort near Orlando for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The American Airlines WishFlight has become a company tradition and one of the best moments of the year for the airline's crew members who volunteer their services for both legs of the flight. Everyone involved with WishFlight volunteers their time – from the pilots to the flight attendants, baggage handlers, and airline executives. Everything is donated by the airline, its employees, and generous individuals and businesses.

"There are no kinder and more generous people on the planet than the people of American Airlines," said Paula Van Ness, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. "They have steadily supported us through very trying times, and continue to sustain our programs today. American Airlines holds a special place in the hearts of Make-A-Wish children, families, volunteers, supporters, and staff. Their sponsorship for more than a decade has enabled us to grant unforgettable wishes to thousands of Make-A-Wish children around the world."

"Each year our employee volunteerism increases as more and more people want to participate in this wonderful project," said American Airlines Senior Vice President of Human Resources Sue Oliver. "The WishFlight families' courage and faith is an inspiration to us all and we are delighted to be a part of it."

WishFlight festivities will begin with a pre-flight party at the Fort Worth Zoo at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 8 and will include a visit from Barney, animal shows, and a Texas barbeque.

A small party at the gate will precede the flight to Orlando on Friday, November 9. The plane itself will be a flying party with food, videos, and gifts for all the kids.

Upon arrival at Give Kids The World Village, attendees will enjoy a picnic, a performance by the North Broward Preparatory Jazz Band, and a performance by country singer Kevin Sharp. Families will enjoy Walt Disney World and other attractions until November 15 when they return to Dallas on yet another flying party plane.

For more information, or to contact Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, see their website at: www.wish.org