Announcements

Clear Skies and Full Hearts: Dream Flyers Soar with Above the Clouds

What a day! After weeks of weather delays, the skies finally cleared and our Dream Flyers took to the air for an unforgettable Saturday at Norwood Memorial Airport.

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One of our favorite moments came when Cynthia Laine of the Black Autism Coalition brought her son Ryan out for a Dream Flight. Ryan brought his younger brother Kendrick along for the ride—and both boys got to experience the magic of flight thanks to Bob George, one of our longtime volunteer pilots.

Bob served in Vietnam as a Marine Corps pilot, flying 118 combat missions in A-4s and later A-6s. These days, he’s flying a different kind of mission—bringing joy and inspiration to kids in his Piper Saratoga.

We’re also grateful to Peter Storer and Dana Quinn, who each flew two Dream Flyers to make sure no child was left grounded. That’s the Above the Clouds spirit in action.

We’re already looking ahead to our next Dream Flight Day on Saturday, August 23 and we’re actively recruiting volunteer pilots, flight coordinators, photographers, joy makers, and ground crew to join the fun!

Want to volunteer?
Learn More

Know a child who could benefit from the Dream Flyer program?
Learn More

Aviation Discovery Day with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South

What an incredible Aviation Discovery Day at Cape Cod Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Plymouth Airport! Teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South got an inside look at the world of aviation
From learning how to weigh and balance an aircraft, to shaping real sheet metal parts, to exploring drone photography (and even flying drones themselves!)—these future aviation pros dove into hands-on learning and left inspired by the many career paths the skies have to offer.
Huge thanks to our amazing partners at Cape Cod Community College, Women in Aviation’s Nor’Easters of Cape Cod Bay Chapter, drone instructor David Price, and of course our friends at Boy &Girls Clubs of Metro South for making this Aviation Discovery Day one to remember!

 

 

Dream Flight Day Rescheduled to Sunday, June 1 – Important Details

Dear Dream Flight Families, Pilots, Flight Coordinators, and Volunteers,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s briefing. As expected, we have made the decision to reschedule this weekend’s Dream Flight Day to Sunday, June 1 due to the weather forecast.
Dream Flight Day Details:
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: First flight scheduled for 9:00 AM – volunteers should arrive by 8:30 AM
Location: Above the Clouds, Norwood Memorial Airport, 125 Access Road, Building #7, Norwood, MA 02062
If this is your first time visiting, we are located in Building #7, the same building as Flight Level Aviation and Avis Rental Car. Above the Clouds is on the second floor.
Parents and Guardians
If you or another adult plan to accompany your child on their Dream Flight, please complete the Passenger Release and Waiver prior to Sunday. The form is required for any passengers boarding the aircraft.
Passenger Release and Waiver Form
We appreciate those who have already informed us if they’re unable to pivot to Sunday—thank you for your timely communication.
Pilots
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time.
If this will be your first time volunteering with Above the Clouds, we recommend arriving earlier to meet fellow pilots and volunteers and sit in on flight briefings.
Additionally, all pilots must complete the Pilot Affirmation of Currency prior to their flight:
Pilot Affirmation of Currency
Flight Coordinators
If you haven’t already done so, please reach out to your assigned Dream Flyer’s parent or guardian as soon as possible. Confirm whether any special accommodation is needed and ensure that the Passenger Release and Waiver has been completed.
Volunteers
Please plan to arrive by 8:30 AM (30 minutes before the first Dream Flight of the day) so we can go over safety procedures and volunteer roles.
If you are a new volunteer and have not yet submitted your application, please do so using the link below:
Volunteer Application
  • Under 18: You must complete the application prior to Sunday.
  • 18 or older: Please complete it as soon as possible so we can finalize your background check.

May 17 Dream Flights – Weather Cancellation & Next Steps

Unfortunately, while there will be a window on Saturday without rain, the forecast is predicting low clouds between 200–700 feet, which is well below the minimums Above the Clouds sets to fly and provide a positive experience for the children we serve. As a result, we will need to cancel the Dream Flights planned for May 17.

We know this is disappointing—especially after other recent weather-related cancellations—and we are truly grateful for your dedication and flexibility.

We will work with families to reschedule these Dream Flyers to one of the following options:

  • Our next Dream Flight Day on May 31
  • A future scheduled Dream Flight Day
  • An individual Dream Flight during the workweek

To those who have already committed to May 31—thank you! We’re looking forward to a great day with about 10 Dream Flyers and 10 pilots, including three first-time pilot volunteers.

If you haven’t yet let us know your availability for May 31, you can do so using the link below:

Click Here to Confirm Your Availability for May 31st Dream Flight Day

Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for better weather at the end of this month and throughout the summer. Thank you again for being part of the Above the Clouds family—your time and commitment mean the world to us.

Above the Clouds Featured on WCVB-TV Chronicle

Above the Clouds was featured on Chronicle, WCVB-TV Channel 5’s beloved and long-running news magazine, in a special episode celebrating aviation in New England.

This powerful segment follows 13-year-old Jake, one of our Dream Flyers, and his flight with volunteer pilot Chris Steward, capturing the joy, confidence, and healing that take flight through our mission. You’ll also hear from Board President Greg Bongiorno and see behind the scenes of a Dream Flight Day in action.

For our team, this moment is especially meaningful. One of our founder Gary Oberstein’s early dreams was to see Above the Clouds featured on Chronicle. We’re proud to have fulfilled that vision—and grateful to share this story with the wider community.

Make a Gift
Refer a Child
Volunteer

Thank you for being part of the Above the Clouds family.

Above the Clouds Featured on Chronicle

We’re thrilled to announce that Above the Clouds will be featured tonight, May 6 at 7:30 PM on Chronicle, WCVB-TV Channel 5’s award-winning news magazine!

This special episode is all about Taking Flight in New England—from nostalgic balsa wood airplanes made in Wakefield, to space suits built in Worcester (including one worn by astronaut Sunita Williams on her recent mission), to a behind-the-scenes ride aboard the Sky 5 news chopper. The episode also highlights the legacy of a visionary scientist whose early experiments helped shape modern rocketry.

We’re honored to be one of the featured stories.

Our segment follows volunteer pilot Chris Steward, Dream Flyer Jake, and his dad as they take to the skies with Above the Clouds, showing the powerful impact flight can have on children facing serious adversity.

Watch the Promo

Don’t Miss It

Tune in tonight, Monday, May 6 at 7:30 PM
WCVB Channel 5 – Chronicle

www.wcvb.com/chronicle

This is a big moment for us—and for the children and families we serve. We’d love for you to watch and share the episode with others who may want to support our mission.

Whether it’s by volunteering, making a referral, or making a donation, you can help bring the joy of flight to even more kids across the region.

Thank you for helping us lift children’s spirits and dreams—one flight at a time.

April 27 Dream Flight Day Canceled – Next Steps

After closely monitoring the weather forecast, Above the Clouds has made the difficult decision to cancel Dream Flight Day originally scheduled for Sunday, April 27.

While it would technically be safe to fly—thanks to our highly experienced, IFR-rated pilots—the conditions are simply not ideal for creating the joyful, inspiring experience we want for our Dream Flyers.

Here’s why:

  • The cloud ceiling is expected to remain low at the altitudes most flights operate, meaning our Dream Flyers would have little to no outside visibility. Seeing the world from above is a huge part of what makes a Dream Flight so magical.

  • Windy conditions, although safe, would likely make flights bumpier than we prefer, especially for children flying for the first time.

At Above the Clouds, our mission is not just about getting kids into the air—it’s about creating magical, unforgettable first flight experiences. If we can’t deliver that magic, we would rather wait for a better day.

What Happens Next?

We are already working to add additional Dream Flight Days in May to reschedule the Dream Flyers originally scheduled for April 27.
This will allow us to accommodate everyone without impacting our regularly scheduled Dream Flight Days. We will reach out soon with more details and new scheduling options.

Stay Updated

We will continue to post important updates on our News and Updates page.
Please check back regularly for the latest information.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Ray Santos at 617-429-2774 (call or text) or via email at ray@abovethecloudskids.org.

Thank you again for your incredible flexibility, patience, and support. We are so grateful for your dedication to our mission—and we look forward to seeing you at a future Dream Flight Day under better skies!

Aviation Discovery Day at Plymouth Airport

Aviation Discovery Day at Plymouth Airport!

Twelve 7th grade students from Brighton High School—part of Apprentice Learning’s mentoring program—got a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of aviation at our latest Aviation Discovery Day!

Hosted in partnership with the Cape Cod Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, the day was filled with engaging STEM experiences. From flying drones and learning about weight and balance, to trying their hand at sheet metal manufacturing, these students got a unique glimpse into life in the skies—and behind the scenes.

Huge thanks to our incredible volunteers from Women in Aviation, Cape Cod Community College, and the Above the Clouds team for inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals. ‍✈️

Students left the day not only with new skills, but also with real conversations about career paths in aviation, thanks to pilots and industry experts who joined us on the ground.

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#AviationDiscoveryDay #AboveTheCloudsKids #STEMEducation #FuturePilots #WomenInAviation #CapeCodCommunityCollege #ApprenticeLearning #InspiringTheNextGeneration

Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers: A Night of Gratitude and Impact

On Tuesday March 4, 2025, Above the Clouds hosted our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, and what an unforgettable night it was! From inspiring conversations to well-deserved recognitions, it was an evening dedicated to the people who make our mission soar—our incredible volunteers.

Whether you joined us in person or were with us in spirit, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s impact and the exciting journey ahead.

Looking Back on 2024 – A Year of Impact

In the past year, Above the Clouds served 86 children, each with their own story, challenges, and dreams. Through the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to provide life-changing experiences to children facing illness, loss, disabilities, and other hardships.

Here’s what we accomplished together:

✈️ Dream Flyers soared to new heights, experiencing the thrill of flight for the first time. With every takeoff, we saw confidence, joy, and excitement grow.
Our Discovery Aviation Days reached over 50 high school students, introducing them to career possibilities in aviation and igniting new aspirations for the future.
We partnered with organizations like LifeWorks, Special Olympics, The Jimmy Fund Clinic, and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, ensuring that children from all walks of life had access to adventure and inspiration.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and heart of our volunteers. You are the reason our mission continues to grow, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

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Honoring Our Outstanding Volunteers

During the celebration, we took a moment to recognize a few extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond:

  • Alyssa Hanlon, a devoted Flight Coordinator who has been a vital part of ATC since high school. Her leadership and enthusiasm ensure every Dream Flyer and their family feels welcome and supported.
  • Nathan Griffith, whose dedication to Discovery Aviation Days has introduced countless high school students to the world of aviation, inspiring them to dream bigger.
  • Mark Hanson, a committed volunteer pilot and board member who has spent years providing life-changing flights for patients, families, and those in need.
  • Greg Bongiorno, our Board President and volunteer pilot, whose leadership and mentorship have helped shape the future of Above the Clouds.

These individuals represent the very best of ATC, and we are beyond grateful for their contributions.

Looking Ahead – Join Us for the 2025 Dream Flight Season!

With another incredible year behind us, we are already looking ahead to what’s next! Our 2025 Dream Flight schedule is now live, and we encourage all of our volunteers—pilots, coordinators, and ground crew—to sign up for upcoming Dream Flight Days.

View the Dream Flight Schedule & Sign Up

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your generosity, passion, and belief in our mission make all the difference. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025!

Above the Clouds Honors Founders Gary and Martha Oberstein with Emeritus and Advisory Roles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Ray Santos, Executive Director
ray@abovethecloudskids.org, M: 617.429.2774, O: 617.918.7344 

 

ABOVE THE CLOUDS HONORS FOUNDERS GARY AND MARTHA OBERSTEIN WITH EMERITUS AND ADVISORY ROLES

 

Norwood, MA — Above the Clouds is proud to announce that Gary Oberstein and Martha Oberstein, the organization’s founders and longtime board members, have accepted honorary and advisory roles in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and lasting legacy.

Gary Oberstein will now serve as Chairman Emeritus of the Board, and Martha Oberstein as Board Member Emeritus. In addition, both will take on Special Advisor roles to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, where they will continue to support Above the Clouds in key areas of growth and outreach.

As Special Advisors, Gary and Martha will focus on strengthening relationships with community-based nonprofits and referral organizations, ensuring that Above the Clouds continues to connect with children who can most benefit from its mission. They will also play a pivotal role in board recruitment and cultivation, leveraging their deep institutional knowledge and extensive networks to help expand the leadership that guides Above the Clouds forward.

“Gary and Martha built something truly remarkable, and their passion, leadership, and vision have transformed the lives of so many children and families,” said Ray Santos, Executive Director of Above the Clouds. “We are honored that they will continue to be a part of our organization in these meaningful roles. Their wisdom, relationships, and storytelling ability will help us grow in ways that only they can make possible.”

“I am truly honored to be named Chairman Emeritus of the Board for Above the Clouds. Believing in joy as medicine, Martha and I set out to create a unique charity that would use the wonder of flight to bring joy, hope, and inspiration to kids and teens facing serious adversity of all kinds. Twelve years later, we are tremendously grateful for the many volunteers who worked with unwavering passion and dedication to help ATC accomplish what it has.  With the guidance of our Board Chair and new Executive Director, I am confident the organization will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact.”

Above the Clouds was founded with the belief that aviation has the power to inspire and uplift children facing adversity. Thanks to Gary and Martha’s leadership, the organization has grown into a widely respected nonprofit, partnering with pilots and volunteers to provide unforgettable flight experiences for children in need.

For more information about Above the Clouds and its mission, please visit www.abovethecloudskids.org.

About Above the Clouds:
Founded in 2013 and based in Norwood, MA, Above the Clouds is a nonprofit organization that leverages the transformative power of flight to inspire hope and joy in children and teens facing serious challenges. With nearly 900 lives touched, the organization continues to soar towards its mission of creating brighter futures.