100 Women Who Care Elkhart County give to Friendship Flights

A group of volunteer pilots who help others will get a lift from a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County.

Friendship Flights first started in the 1990s when pilot and Goshen Airport Manager Randy Sharkey volunteered to fly a few families during a travel emergency. This action sparked a domino effect of volunteer pilots, who wanted to use their time and planes for the greater good. While Friendship Flights primarily serves the Goshen area, it has also been involved in various relief missions, including the Carolinas and Haiti. The organization provides free flights to people in need and offers educational experiences for youth. 

Jane Troup, a longtime member of 100 Women Who Care, nominated Friendship Flights in the January meeting. The money will fuel even more flights. “We are a completely volunteer-run organization, none of the pilots are paid,” said Sharkey. “They are all giving their time.” Their services are available to any Elkhart County resident in need of assistance. They have flown veterans to medical appointments, allowed aspiring students to practice, and returned service animals to their families. 

The Friendship Flights team and members from 100 Women were excited by this first-time grant and pleased to know that this money would help others in the community. 

The next 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County meeting is 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, at Matterhorn Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St., Elkhart.