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.

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 Board Member Mark Hanson Joins a Mission of Hope and Conservation

In a touching blend of environmental stewardship and heartfelt dedication, Mark Hanson, a Board Member of Above the Clouds, played a key role in a recent Turtles Fly Too mission, transporting endangered sea turtles to marine medical facilities in Florida. The mission was dedicated to the memory of Bonnie Freeman, a young girl who inspired a legacy of pediatric cancer research before her untimely passing in 1983.

Turtles Fly Too, an organization coordinating volunteer general aviation pilots like Hanson, relocated 60 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles rescued from rapidly cooling waters near Boston. This critical effort ensured the turtles could receive life-saving care in Florida. The operation also celebrated the incredible achievements of Bonnie’s family, founders of Stop Children’s Cancer, which has raised over $23 million for pediatric cancer research.

Learn more about this impactful mission and Mark Hanson’s involvement by reading the full article on AOPA’s website.

Stay inspired, and let’s continue to support those making a difference in both the skies and our communities!

Together, We Can Soar: An End-of-Year Appeal

 

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Ray Santos, the new Executive Director of Above the Clouds. I joined this extraordinary organization because I was deeply inspired by the passion and generosity of the volunteers, donors, and supporters like you who make our mission possible: bringing joy and hope to children and teens facing serious illness, disability, or adversity through the wonder of flight.

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your past support. Whether you’ve given your time, resources, or encouragement, your contributions have helped us create life-changing moments for children who need them most.

With your help, we’re preparing to serve more children than ever, introduce new program innovations, and deepen the impact we have on their lives and families. But to make that possible, we need your support.

Here’s how you can help us finish the year strong:

  1. Make a Gift Today: If you typically give at this time of year, please consider making a tax-deductible donation before December 31. Your generosity ensures that Above the Clouds can continue to provide unforgettable experiences for children who deserve every opportunity to dream and soar.
  2. Give When the Time is Right for You: If another time of year works better for your giving, that’s OK too. Your gift, whenever it is made, will directly support our mission and programs.
  3. Share Our Story: Help us spread the word about Above the Clouds by sharing this email or our website with friends and family who might be inspired to join our community.

 

 

Every donation, no matter the amount, has the power to create moments of pure joy for children who face immense challenges every day. Together, we can give them something extraordinary—a chance to look out from the sky and see the world in a new light.

Thank you for your belief in our mission and for being part of the Above the Clouds family. I can’t wait to share the exciting milestones and stories that 2025 will bring.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a soaring start to the new year!

Warm regards,

Ray Santos
Executive Director

Above the Clouds
125 Access Rd  |  Norwood, MA 02062
M: 617-429-2774
ray@abovethecloudskids.org  |  www.abovethecloudskids.org
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