Local Pilots Attend Las Vegas Convention

Mary Blanset, Babs Fulton,Gail Massey, DeLaine Woodruff and Tara Woodward, members of the Pilot Club of Louisville, joined hundreds of Pilot members from five countries who convened in Las Vegas July 18-22 for the PIlot Annual Convention and Leadership Conference held at Bally's Hotel. Presiding officer for the event was 2011-2012 Pilot International President, Beverly Wilkes of Noxapater, MS. She is succeeded by Winnie Brewer of Titusville, FL, who was installed as 2012-2013 PI President on the last day of the conference. This year local pilot Gail Massey also served as Convention Chairperson.

Those attending the event participated in leadership training seminars, informative workshops, and fund raising events for the Pilot International Foundation. Special guest speakers and workshop leaders included author and leadership expert, Lisa Earle McLeod; Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association founder, Ann Boriskie; autism support group founder, Barbie Lauver; Project Lifesaver founder, Gene Saunders; Daytona State College Assoc. V.P. for Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Nancy Morgan; Pilot scholar Meghan Francis; V.P. of Education of Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, PA, Jason Raia.

Now in its 91st year, Pilot International is a volunteer service organization with more than 400 Pilot Clubs in five countries. Pilot's service focus is brain disorders/diseases, and each year, Pilot Clubs conduct programs and projects that assist those in their community who are affected by illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression and similar.

submitted by Tara Woodward

Seated is Gail Massey, Convention Chairperson,
Beverly Wilkes, 2011-2012 Pilot International President.
Standing is Pilot Club of Louisville President DeLaine Woodruff,
Babs Fulton, Mary Blanset, and Tara Woodward.