(DALLAS, TEXAS) – Last fall Business Jet Cares, Inc., a Business Jet 501(c)(3), raised nearly $89,000 for Patriot PAWS Service Dogs and the Folds of Honor Foundation, two non-profit organizations dedicated to giving back to our nation’s military, first responders, and their families through educational scholarships and providing trained services dogs of the highest quality.
On November 4, 2022, Business Jet Cares hosted its 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament along with their second annual VIP Concert the night before the tournament featuring Texas Country’s own, The Blan Scott Band.
Hosted at the elite Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, TX, the tournament kicked off with a gourmet breakfast, followed by a putting and chipping contest. At 10:00 am, the 144 golfers headed out for a shotgun start where they participated in various games and competitions throughout the course. The day also included a plethora of giveaways, snacks, music by DJ Astronaut and specialty drinks all thanks to the many sponsors. Despite dealing with some rain and wind, our golfers hit the on-course highlights including a Beat the Pro experience where participants tried to shoot closer to the pin than pro golfer, Julia Houston. Another favorite was the Cannon Shoot, where by donating, the golfers get the chance to shoot their golf ball 400 yards out of a custom launcher onto the green. While participants enjoyed the many activities, the real highlight of the tournament was the Patriot Paws Service Dogs’ puppies-in-training that joined out on the course to mingle with the golfers and pose for photos!
An awards ceremony and home smoked BBQ dinner concluded the tournament with special guest speakers from both of the philanthropic beneficiaries, including Sarah Duncan a recipient of the Folds of Honor scholarship, and Marissa Pittman the Development Coordinator from Patriot PAWS. Both speakers shared personal testimonies on how each charity has assisted and changed their own lives as well as the many lives of Veterans and their families. To end the evening, various prizes and the opportunity to name a puppy-in-training (including updates on the pup’s training progress, when the puppy “graduates” and gets placed with a well-deserved veteran) were raffled off.
“As we come off of our 10th year of Business Jet Cares and our 9th charity golf tournament, I cannot help but be blown away. When our employees dreamt up a way to give back to the community, we had no idea what it would become. With the blessing of our ownership, we took a chance and a leap, and the return for veterans and their families has been incredible. The aviation community shows up each and every year to support our cause and it is through that support, this tournament has truly become one of the most anticipated events of the year! I am so pleased to say that with this year’s funds included, we have raised just under $600,000! We cannot wait to see what the next 10 years brings!” -Cat Wren, Tournament Coordinator and Business Jet CXO
In addition to the Annual Golf Tournament, Business Jet Cares also partners with a local Dallas Elementary School each year for A Christmas to Remember to support local families that may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season. Now in its eighth year, Business Jet Cares was able to raise over $10,000 to support seven families in Dallas with their greatest household needs such as cleaning supplies, furniture, cookware, clothing and appliances, along with Christmas wishes for the children including toys, games, bikes, scooters, electronics and more. This is all thanks to the contributions of the business aviation community as well as businesses in the Dallas area, employee donors, and volunteers.
A special thanks to Fiesta Furniture Depot for donating beds to those who were in need.
ABOUT BUSINESS JET CARES
Business Jet Cares was founded in 2012 as a result of Business Jet employees and their desire to give back to kids, Veterans and pets within their community. Annual charity events such as the Business Jet Cares Annual Charity Golf Tournament & A Christmas to Remember benefit Veteran families through scholarships, training and placement of Service Dogs for Veterans, and local Dallas children who need a little extra support during the holidays. To learn more about Business Jet Cares or to donate to their annual charity events, please visit www.businessjetcares.org.
ABOUT PATRIOT PAWS SERVICE DOGS
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a National 501(c)(3) nonprofit based out of Rockwall, Texas, trains and provides Service Dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American Veterans, and others, that suffer from Mobility Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress. Each Patriot PAWS Service Dog takes 18 – 24 months to train at a cost of $35,000. However, their recipients will never receive a bill as the organization firmly believes they have already made such sacrifices. To learn more about Patriot PAWS or to donate to their mission, please visit www.patriotpaws.org.
ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION
The Folds of Honor Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, an F-16 Fighter Pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, who saw a need to support the families of fallen military members on his flight home from his second tour in Iraq. Since 2007 his goal has been to meet sacrifice with hope, by providing educational scholarships from K-12 and on to the families of the fallen or wounded military or first responders. To learn more, please visit www.foldsofhonor.org.
