“Sharing the Journey™” Awards Announced

The Family Assistance Foundation was pleased to present this years “Sharing the Journey™” to Richard & Marie Anderson. The award was presented at our Aviation Conference held in Calgary, Canada in September 2009. Rich & Marie are family survivors of American Eagle 3379. Their 18-year-old daughter Lauren, had been traveling home for the Christmas holidays when the plane crashed, killing 15 of the 20 passengers and crew on board the flight.  The Andersons are individual members of the foundation as well as volunteers. Along with their work in helping others, Richie also acts as one of our role-players for various training classes and serves on the FAF Board of Directors. Click here to read the entire article.

Barbara Webster, Manager of Emergency Response at WestJet Airlines received the “Sharing the Journey™” award for the aviation industry. This award is peer nominated by the employees of corporations who are members of the Family Assistance Foundation.  It was a true honor to present this award to Barb for her work in raising awareness as to the power that an airline manager can have on the customer in crisis. The volunteers at WestJet practice their helping skills on a daily basis with customers, employees, and family members. Click here to read the entire article

Southwest Airlines Employee Receives “Compassion Consciousness” Award

The Foundation established a new award this year to honor an industry professional who has made a significant contribution, over the course of their career, to raising awareness of the needs of those who have been affected by tragedy. The Compassion Consciousness Award is presented entirely at the discretion of the board of directors of the Family Assistance Foundation. Joan Ferris, Emergency Response Trainer at Southwest Airlines (SWA) was recognized as the first recipient of this prestigious award. Click here to read the entire article

The Family Assistance Foundation is Pleased to Announce the Winners of Both the Cruise Auction and the Cruise Raffle

Auction ∼ Congratulations to Al and Joyce Griner, the 2009 Family Assistance Foundation Cruise Auction Winners!!!

Family survivor Al Griner and his lovely new bride Joyce, placed the winning bid for the 5 day sailing in the owners suite cabin on-board Carnival Cruise Lines. Al & Joyce are also trained volunteers for the Foundation.  In March of 2008 Al didn’t hesitate when he received the call to assist us with the crash in Venezuela, when Santa Barbara’s flight 518 crashed into the Andean mountain, killing all 46 people on board.  Even though Al does not speak Spanish it was evident to everyone he came in contact with that compassion transcends a language barrier. Al lost his son Mark, when ValueJet Flight 592 crashed into the Everglades en route from Miami to Atlanta on May 11, 1996.

The auction was for a 5-day cruise on board Carnival Cruise Lines for two people sailing out of Tampa, in a luxurious three-room suite. The owner’s suite cabin was awarded to the highest bidder and is the chance of a lifetime to sail in style.

Raffle ∼ Congratulations to Anthony and Cora Lander, the 2009 Family Assistance Foundation Cruise Raffle Winners!!!

Tony & Cora Lander are the lucky winners of the 7 day cruise for two on Norwegian Cruise Lines. The Landers are experienced cruisers and were guest speakers at our 2009 Cruise Conference held in Fort Lauderdale this past May. Tony shared his experience on board a Carnival Cruise ship and how the fast actions of the medical staff saved his life.  Being the spouse looking on, Cora was able to share from her perspective what took place during the time Tony was unconscious.  They both are extremely positive regarding the care they received during and after their ordeal.  The Lander’s are looking forward to sailing on Norwegian’s newest ship, the Epic, in 2010.

The raffle grand prize is a 7-day cruise for two people on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in an ocean view stateroom. The winners have their choice of exciting itineraries including Caribbean, Bermuda, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Bahamas/Florida, or Canada/New England.