Darlington residents attend Pilot International Convention in Las Vegas
Judy Langley and Ginger Ridgill, members of the Pilot Club of Darlington, recently attended the 96th Pilot International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Langley and Ridgill were two of more than 620 Pilots who participated in the global event that drew representatives from more than 4 countries and geographic areas around the world.
According to Langley, “It was a wonderful experience to be among fellow Pilots from around the world and keep abreast of the advances within our organization.”
Ridgill stated, “I was grateful for the opportunity to attend several workshops and hear how other Pilots are working together for their community.”
Convention highlights included a spectacular Flag Ceremony with Pilots from around the world marching along with their country’s flag. Attendees also heard a keynote speech from LaDonna Gatlin, a dynamic, uplifting and entertaining motivational speaker. Other speakers included entrepreneur, Patrick Ibarra, and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Jeanne Jacobs.
Additionally, convention attendees attended workshops, learned about important issues facing communities globally, elected international officers, voted on the 2017-2018 Pilot International Budget and helped set the future direction for Pilot International.
“It was exciting to gather with so many Pilots from other countries. It’s a great reminder that Pilots are not only making a difference in our local communities, but also around the world,” said Langley.
Langley is serving as President of the Pilot Club of Darlington for the third time and has served as SC District Governor and President of Pilot International. On the international level, she is currently serving as Chair of the Pilot International BrainMindersTM Committee and a member of the 100th Anniversary Committee for Pilot International. Ridgill has served twice as President of the Pilot Club of Darlington, as well as secretary for three years. She is currently serving as Personal Assistant to PI Treasurer Peggy Benton from South Carolina. Locally, Pilot club members make an impact in the community through services, such as Pick Me Ups for Caregivers. Proceeds from past fund-raising events have been used to support The Lord Cares, the Free Medical Clinic, the Heart Association, Anchor Scholarships, and other worthy causes. The club currently plans to Provide Pick Me Ups for Special Education Teachers in Darlington, Caregivers of Residents in local nursing homes, and Caregivers in the community. They will sponsor a special seminar on Brain Awareness for the community in the month of March.
The Pilots Club of Darlington has 25 members and meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Wilds-Edwards House. Pilot clubs are groups of men and women that identify needs within their communities and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Pilot Club of Darlington, please contact President Judy Langley at 843-617-0689 or visit the Club’s Facebook Page or website at www.pilotclubofdarlington.org.
Pilot International is a community-based volunteer service organization founded in 1921 in Macon, GA on the principles of “Friendship and Service.” The name “Pilot” was inspired by the mighty riverboat pilots of that day who represented leadership and guidance.
With more than 7,200 members in almost 300 Pilot Clubs, Pilots can be found across the U.S., the Bahamas, Japan and South Africa. Pilots carry out their mission to “Do More, Care More and Be More” by providing financial and hands-on support for national and local initiatives in keeping with its causes of youth development & leadership; brain safety & fitness; and caring for families in times of need. In addition, there are over 7,500 school-level Anchor Club members worldwide.
Through a professionally developed curriculum and strategic partnerships, Pilot encourages and provides opportunities for youth development & leadership. Pilot International remains headquartered in Macon, where its staff serves its international constituency. Contact your local Pilot Club to find out more about our friendship and service opportunities.
