Darlington residents attend Pilot International Convention in Montreal, Canada
Nancy Lee, front; Ashley Ray and Alexis Inman , 2nd row; and Aryana Inman, Ginger Ridgill, and Loris Flowers on back row.
Ginger Ridgill and Nancy Lee, members of the Pilot Club of Darlington recently attended the 95th Pilot International Convention in Montreal, Canada to join more than 620 Pilots to participate in the global event of representatives from countries and geographic areas around the world.
Three members of the Darlington Anchor Club, Alexis Inman, Aryana Inman, and Ashley Ray, accompanied the Pilots to Montreal to be part of the Pilot International Youth Summit.
Convention highlights included a spectacular Flag Ceremony with Pilots from around the world, some in native dress, marching with their country’s flag. Attendees also heard a keynote speech from Giovanni Gaudelli, a dynamic, uplifting and entertaining motivational speaker. Participants also attended workshops, learned about important issues facing communities globally, elected international officers, voted on the 2016-2017 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 Ridgill.
Locally, Pilot club members make an impact in our community through service, such as Brainminder puppet shows teaching children about taking care of their brains, providing “pick me ups” for caregivers, and supporting Project Lifesaver, a service to families with members who need close supervision due to autism, dementia, or other disabilities. The club also provides a scholarship annually to a deserving senior Anchor member. The club is currently making preparations to host the 34th SC Sweet Potato Festival on Saturday, October 8, 2016.
The Darlington Pilot Club has 29 members and meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00 pm at Jewel’s Restaurant. Pilot clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within their communities, and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Darlington Pilot Club, please contact Nancy Lee, President, at 843-393-3948, or visit the club website, www.darlingtonpilotclub.org.
Pilot International is an international service club organization. Our 14,700 plus members includes 340 Pilot Clubs worldwide and also 176 Anchor Clubs that are serving communities around the globe. Since 1921, Pilot Clubs have upheld their principles of friendship and service by joyfully meeting the needs of individuals and communities, championed youth initiatives, and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Pilot International, visit www.pilotinternational.org.
