Tag Archives: Making a Difference

Apr 06

SkyWest Mini Indy Races to Help Those in Need

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For the 15th year, dozens of teams revved up their go-karts and raced around the twists and turns of the “Ridgetop Raceway” at the SkyWest Mini Indy. While some were lucky enough to walk away with a new trophy, the real winner is clear: thousands of people living in Southern Utah.

“SkyWest believes in supporting the communities where our more than 10,000 employees live and work, and Mini Indy has been a big part of that tradition now for 15 years,” said Mike Thompson, SkyWest Airlines COO.

Mini Indy is a unique event that brings businesses from around the world and hundreds of their employees to St. George, Utah to help those in need. Money raised from race entries and sponsorships is all donated to the United Way Dixie, which helps support 17 local charities like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and the DOVE Center.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors involved in Mini Indy, we would not be able to fund the agencies that provide important human services to our neighbors in need,” said Rebekah Pectol, administrator, United Way Dixie.

Since its inception, Mini Indy has raised nearly $1 million to help those living in Southern Utah. But it’s impossible to track the countless individuals who have benefited from this impressive race.

Mar 12

SkyWest Flight Attendant Brings Help to Cambodian Orphans

Having dealt with years of well-documented corruption and social unrest, Cambodia stands as one of the poorest countries in the world. Access to education, sanitation and nutrition is minimal in many locations, and non-existent for some. Many children begin working at a young age in horrendous conditions, exposing them to many risks, including disease, drug abuse and sexual violence.

That’s where Mendy Field, a SkyWest flight attendant based in Palm Springs, California comes in. For the past seven years, Mendy has organized trips to Cambodia to help children in need. She first learned about the need while working alongside a Cambodian war refugee in Irvine, California for six years. There Mendy heard stories of the extreme poverty many are facing and knew she wanted to do something to help. After a trip to an orphanage in Mexico to deliver supplies, Mendy realized she could make the same deliveries to orphans in Cambodia.

“It’s an adventure and a mission to help children learn and change that country,” said Mendy.

Mendy made her first journey to Cambodia by herself and discovered an orphanage by asking locals at a hotel lobby about where she could find children she could help. Since then her efforts have continued to expand. Recently, she started her own non-profit organization called We See Light. Their mission is to help put an end to sex trafficking through education, building safe houses for children being rescued from brothels, and providing basic necessities like food, clothes and hygiene supplies.

“My goal is to build more safe houses for children who have been rescued from brothels,” said Mendy. “It’s not going to get better unless people go help them.”

This summer, Mendy will be heading back to Cambodia to visit the orphanages and to deliver supplies that she has collected from other SkyWest employees. In fact, so much has been donated that several additional employees will likely join Mendy to help with the deliveries. Their efforts are a great example of what many SkyWest aviation professionals are doing around the world to help those in need.

Oct 30

SkyWest Flight Attendant Bests Breast Cancer

In 2014, an estimated 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and approximately 40,000 women will die from this disease according to the American Cancer Society. And SkyWest people are out making a difference! From participating in walks and fundraising cook-offs to sporting pink awareness attire, our people are taking action to raise awareness and funds to help fight breast cancer.

Julie Bruno, a Denver, Colorado-based flight attendant, shares her story of survival and explains how the diagnosis helped motivate her to accomplish her dream of joining our InFlight Department. The following is Julie’s brave and determined account!

I started my career with SkyWest in Colorado Springs, Colorado as a customer service agent in October 2006. After getting some experience in Customer Service, my plan was to transfer to InFlight in the spring, but I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2007.

I will never forget that day. I went for my annual mammogram like I did every year. After the exam, I was told that the doctor wanted to speak with me. The nurse shuffled me into his office and all I saw were my X-ray films hanging on a white screen. The films were lit up from behind as to not miss a single detail. Nothing was said. The silence made my blood run cold. The doctor finally said, “You have cancer.” The only thing I could think to say was, “Am I going to die?”

That day my world had blown up and would never be the same. Things happened so quickly; trying to get a hold of my emotions was nearly impossible. My decision to have surgery and reconstruction was one of the toughest. Over the next seven months, I cried a lot, laughed a lot, loved a lot, prayed a whole lot and found people that have become my very close friends. I look at my world much differently now than before, and with good reason. My family, my faith in God, and a positive attitude got me through my toughest and darkest hours. I told myself that when I recovered I was going to make that jump to InFlight, which I did in August 2007.

I have been cancer-free for more than seven years now, and I would like to share my story with other women and their families who have experienced breast cancer. Many of us and our families (mine included) have been touched by cancer. We can benefit from each other’s personal stories which give hope and encouragement for a bright future. I hope we can all take this month, and every month, to bring awareness to breast cancer research and prevention.

Jun 18

SkyWest Employees Make a Difference in Costa Rica

When planning a trip to an exotic destination like Costa Rica, most people don’t think about packing their bags with 200 lbs. of paper, folders, coloring books, calculators, soccer balls, shampoo, stuffed animals and hair accessories. That is, unless they are SkyWest Director of Flight Operations Bill Mostowy and his wife, Brandi Mostowy, a Flight Operations Facilitator.

The idea for the unusual luggage started roughly two years ago when the couple traveled to Costa Rica to vacation and visit family members in Tamarindo. While enjoying the beautiful country, zip-lining and playing in the surf, they noticed a drastic difference between the tourist areas and back-country villages.

“We saw elementary schools that lacked basic necessities like running water, air conditioning, books, restrooms, paper, pencils and other supplies that any school should have,” said Bill. “And after that first trip, we knew we couldn’t return without bringing as many supplies and donations as we could carry.”

To help meet their goal, Bill and Brandi solicited donations from friends, family and their SkyWest coworkers who are always eager to help with these types of efforts. In fact, they finally had to stop taking donations because they simply ran out of room from all of the tremendous support.

After arriving in Liberia, Costa Rica, they traveled to the coastal town of Tamarindo. And while they thought they had carefully accounted for everything, the Mostowys quickly realized that the school year in Costa Rica had not yet begun and the schools were closed. Thankfully, two friends managed to contact school officials to arrange for someone to meet the group at the school to receive the supplies.

“As we drove up to the school, we were shocked to see nearly every student waiting for us,” said Brandi. ””It was hard to tell who was most excited, us, or the 15 students and their parents.”

After their initial shyness evaporated, the kids welcomed them and peppered them with questions, which they eagerly answered through the help of their translators. In addition to all of the school supplies, each child was also given a gift bag and had a chance to put together some SkyWest paper airplanes.

“It was truly an amazing experience to see how something so simple could bring so much happiness,” said the couple.

And Brandi and Bill didn’t just stop there. In addition to their trip to Escuela Linderos, they set aside supplies and toys for another charitable program called Casa Luz, located in San Jose. Casa Luz is a haven for adolescent mothers who have come out of abusive situations or extreme poverty. It was established in 2003 by Canadians, Eldon and Lori Cooke, who felt the need to help these exploited adolescents and their children.

Bill and Brandi both say they’re grateful for all of the support they experienced in putting together this humanitarian trip and are planning to organize another effort soon.
The care and compassion demonstrated by Bill and Brandi is also shared by many of the other 10,500 employees working at SkyWest Airlines. They are committed to going above and beyond, to help in the communities where they live and work. To learn more about SkyWest Airlines, visit www.skywest.com.

Dec 11

SkyWest Employees Raise More Than $10,000 for Cancer Research in October!

SkyWest Airlines employees across the country are constantly engaged in many different causes and charities; one of those efforts being raising money to support cancer research during the month of October. Through lemonade and bake sales, direct donations and various other avenues last month, SkyWest employees raised more than $10,000!

Donation Highlights:

· SLC-based flight attendants raised more than $6,330 as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, including more than $550 from one flight where a frequent flyer announced he would match any donations from his fellow passengers.

· Employees at SkyWest’s Corporate Headquarters put their cooking skills to work for a bake sale and the Second Annual Chili Cook Off, with all proceeds going to support the American Cancer Society. In less than two hours, more than $500 was added to the month’s contributions.

SkyWest employees are proudly committed to supporting causes like Breast Cancer Awareness, and in giving back to the communities where they live and work.

Apr 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Annual Mini Indy is Once Again a Success

Checkered flags, pit crews, competitive drivers, fierce turns and racing speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour were just a few of the exciting elements at SkyWest Airlines’ thirteenth annual Mini Indy!

This March, teams from around the world met at the airline’s hometown of St. George, Utah to race head-to-head in fierce go-cart competitions, raising money for United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund. To date, this fiercely popular event has raised nearly one million dollars for United Way Dixie charities.

Of the 35 teams that competed in the race, four were composed of SkyWest employees. Known throughout the company as RAVE (Recognizing A Valuable Employee) Team racers, these twenty employees were nominated by their leaders and peers to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy based on their dedication to the airline, our passengers and fellow employees.

“I was ecstatic to find out I was selected to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy,” said Kari Tate, RAVE Team #00 member and SkyWest benefits manager. “This opportunity was something that goes far beyond a pat on the back or ‘atta-girl.’ I was noticed, selected and appreciated! And being able to put my competitive nature into action through this competition was simply awesome!”

The SkyWest RAVE Teams held their own against 13-year veteran teams; RAVE team #94 competed in the finals for the Pit Stop Competition and placed third in both the Best Theme and Best-Looking Car categories, and RAVE Team #00 competed in the championship heat of the race!

After the final checkered flag was waved, Team Wencor Group/Trelleborg took home the title of Grand Champion – for the second year in a row!

And though many of the teams may already be looking ahead and strategizing for Mini Indy 2014, the funds raised through this year’s event will be continue to aid those in need for quite some time, as United Way Dixie utilizes the money to help those in need.

“The annual Mini Indy event allows SkyWest to contribute to local charities through United Way Dixie, an organization that helps offer a better life for children and families in poverty, abuse victims and many others in the community in need of support,” said SkyWest President and COO, Chip Childs.

For more about Mini Indy or details on the 2013 race, visit www.miniindy.org.

Feb 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Mini Indy Gives a “Turbo Boost” to Local Charities

SkyWest Airlines will once again “put the pedal to the metal” in 2013 in a race to benefit local charities. The 13th annual Mini Indy event, sponsored by SkyWest and the City of St. George, will bring in nearly 40 teams from around the world to SkyWest’s hometown of St. George, Utah. There, the teams will golf the world’s best courses and race go-carts head to head – with all proceeds benefiting United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund.

“Mini Indy is part of SkyWest’s tradition of giving back to our hometown,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines President and COO. “Year after year, the industry’s elite bring their golf game and go-carts – and we look forward to passing the $1 million mark in donations benefiting local charity in 2013.”

In the last thirteen years, this unique event has raised nearly $1 million to help charities in Washington County. In 2012 alone, Mini Indy raised more than $65,000 for United Way Dixie, providing enough funding for the organization to fund four additional non-profit agencies for 2012 and 2013 – bringing the total of charities served to 17. This includes agencies such as the Dove Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Utah and Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah.

Melissa Ann Santora, Director of Community Engagement for habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah, has volunteered at Mini Indy for several years.

“Our community is blessed by the continued success of Mini Indy,” she said.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors involved in Mini Indy, we would not be able to fund the agencies that provide important human services to our neighbors in need,” continued Rebekah Pectol, administrator, United Way Dixie.

The checkered flag will fly on Friday, March 22 at the “RidgeTop Raceway,” formerly the SGU airport. There, go-cart enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will compete in a series of heats throughout the day. With fierce turns, obstacles and speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour, this year’s Mini Indy is sure to live up to the excitement that the race is known to deliver!

For more about Mini Indy, visit www.miniindy.org.

Dec 26

One Canadian “Thanksgiving,” In November

Thanksgiving does not always equal a day spent with family gathered around a food-filled table in the airline industry. In fact, many SkyWest employees spend Thanksgiving working hard to take care of the thousands of people who are flying around the country to see friends and loved ones. This includes David Miller, a SkyWest pilot based in Denver, Colo.

When David first saw his November schedule, he immediately saw that he would not have Thanksgiving off. However, in light of the holiday season, David emailed several shelters in the Winnipeg area to see if they were in need of volunteers. Siloam Mission answered: “Dear David, it is great you and your crew would like to volunteer over Thanksgiving on your layover. We have a few spaces for you, but please bring all the holiday cheer as Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October :-) Warm Regards, Victoria.” Though the holiday didn’t quite match up, David was excited for the chance to help.

On Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day in the states, David awoke to low clouds, blowing snow and a wind chill of just 1° F. Undeterred, he met up with a fellow SkyWest crewmember and the two walked, as quickly as possible, to Siloam Mission. When they arrived, Victoria gave them a tour of the facilities, including its mini-hospital staffed by doctors, nurses, dentists and even chiropractors; a fully-equipped gym on the top floor; a resource room with computers; an apartment building for transitioning qualified individuals from the streets; a bedroom for emergency family shelter; separate female quarters; and a pile of donated clothes stacked so high, well, you could lose just about anything!

“It didn’t take long to realize how special this shelter is,” said David. “And the thing that really blew me away is their approach to clothing.”

At Siloam Mission, that approach is a clothing “store,” with one-on-one personal assistants to help guests find what they both need and want; all free of charge of course. No one walks out of Siloam with pants too big or shoes too small. With this methodology, Siloam bypasses the hurdle of self-consciousness and enhances the opportunity for an individual to focus on improving their lives in other more important areas.

Three hours after arriving, David and the other volunteers had served more than 350 meals to men, woman and children. David was in charge of placing three or four pickles on each plate. Of course, Corrie, the service leader, occasionally had to step in when he would try to give out a few more.

“We can’t be running out because David likes pickles and thinks everyone should get a fist full!” said Corrie.

The meals were complete with soup, sandwich, pie, bottomless coffee and a small battalion of helpful volunteers filling cups and taking plates. Many “Thank you’s,” and “Mmm, that looks great,” were spoken. The volunteers also had a chance to get to know some of the patrons.

“While waiting in line, an elderly gentleman spoke about his childhood in Russia, another stated he had a grandmother with dishes like those being used,” said David. “One gentleman, who looked about 45 years old, spoke about the apartment he was moving into that week; it would be the first place he ever had of his own.

“Taking a moment to look out over a sea of faces eating a warm meal is gratifying. Looking beyond to the windows and the 1° wind chill brings pause, knowing these folks would be out in the weather in less than an hour. It brings pause and thanks.”

The volunteers ate last and were happily surprised with a special treat from Chris, the head chef. He had prepared a Thanksgiving meal from scratch: handmade stuffing, smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry and a healthy slice of Pecan pie.

While it wasn’t a typical layover, David said it can only be described as “a wonderful experience.”

David’s willingness to serve is just one example of the incredible things SkyWest employees are doing on a daily basis, as they look for ways to help and give back whenever possible.

Jun 07

Underprivileged First Graders Explore Aviation at Our Salt Lake City SkyWest Training Center!

What’s it like to introduce first graders to the world of aviation? Just ask SkyWest flight attendant and first grade teacher Christina Hathaway.

In addition to being a flight attendant, Christina also teaches underprivileged students at Salt Lake City’s inter-city Franklin Elementary School. She recently organized a field trip for 80 students to visit SkyWest’s Salt Lake City training facility where they were introduced to the world of aviation.

The kids were awestruck. When they first walked into the multimedia room to start their tour, one young boy asked if they were already in an airplane. Sonya Wolford, SkyWest Airlines’ VP of InFlight explained that they would have a chance to see the plane soon and the boy literally jumped for joy.

During their visit, the kids were able to walk through various cabin trainers that simulate the inside of a CRJ200. They learned about important safety tasks that SkyWest flight attendants are required to know and had a chance to see some of the emergency equipment that is stored on board every SkyWest flight.

Of course, no trip to the InFlight training facility would be complete without getting a package of Biscoff cookies and some pretzels.

The kids left after the field trip dreaming about one day joining the aviation industry; one student even told a friend, “I’m going to be a flight attendant and save people.” Of course, the friend was quick to remind them that, “You have to feed them too!”