Monday, June 8th, 2009 10:00–12:30 Tournament Registration 10:00–11:00 Free Instruction and Tips from the Pro on the Driving Range 11:00–12:00 Champions Luncheon 12:00–5:50 Golf & Tennis Tournaments 5:30 Victory Reception, Awarding of Prizes, and Auction
Check out last years's Auction items online. Lunches and dinners at DC’s best restaurants. Business-class airline tickets to Europe and Asia. A 2009 XF Jaguar compliments of Manhattan Jaguar! First-class tickets to great U.S. resorts with free rental cars. A 40" Sony HDTV.
View the 2009 GWAO Photo Gallery!

Download the 2009
GWAO Brochure

GWAO raises $95,000 for cancer patient transportation

Washington, DC
June 8, 2009 – The Greater Washington Aviation Open (GWAO) raised $95,000 for the Corporate Angel Network (CAN) during its 21st annual charity golf and tennis tournament on Monday, June 8th at the Lansdowne Resort (VA).  This year’s event surpassed all expectations given the economy and its impact on the aviation industry.  The contribution to CAN was raised to nearly $1.5 million with the presentation of this year’s check.

GWAO, the largest aviation and aerospace charity event in the Washington area, is supported annually by a wide spectrum in the aviation, aerospace and defense community. More than 80 major aviation and aerospace corporations and associations participated as sponsors and hosts, representing 37 states and several countries. Tournament attendees included senior leadership from major aviation, aerospace and defense companies, associations and airlines, as well as high-level representation from Capitol Hill and federal agencies.

CAN, a non-profit organization in operation for more than 27 years, assists cancer patients with their transportation to treatment facilities by using empty seats on business aircraft donated by corporations. The CAN has arranged for the safe transportation of more than 31,000 cancer patients for treatment.

GWAO raises funds through sponsorships, tournament fees and a live auction. The auction is supported by donations from a wide variety of airlines, hotels and companies across the country, as well as many Washington area restaurants.

“There are many milestones set tonight,” CAN Executive Director Peter Fleiss noted, “ the 21st anniversary of this great event and our largest contribution of the year.”  Fleiss further noted that GWAO’s support represents a sizable part of CAN’s operating budget.

This year’s Honorary Chairman, Bruce Whitman, president and CEO of FlightSafety International said, “The importance of aviation to the American people is best exemplified by the wonderful work performed by the Corporate Angel Network and the charitable event that supports their mission.  The GWAO serves to bring together everyone in aviation to contribute to this important program for so many people in need.”

"The aviation industry has shown its commitment to the GWAO for over two decades and it was a great milestone to raise $95,000 for the CAN this year," commented Paul Bollinger, tournament director. “We would like to thank our major sponsors ITT Corp, Aviation Partners Boeing, ALPA, and FlightSafety International who made the tournament a success.”

2009 GWAO Auction Prizes and On-Site Program.
(Downloadable PDF version, 867 KB)