On Monday, October 7, 2024, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed the week of October 13-19, 2024, Pilot International Founders Week in Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation were Cullman Pilot Club members Charlotte Ecklund (Pilot Board Director), Julie Burks (Pilot Past President/Director), Peggy Harris (Pilot Foundation Representative), Elain Cole (Pilot Board President), and Betty Dover (Pilot Board Treasurer).

“Pilot International is a wonderful organization made up of some great humanitarians,” said Mayor Jacobs. “I am honored to present this proclamation in appreciation of the Pilot Club’s contributions to our community and throughout the world.”

Pilot International was chartered on October 16, 1921, in Macon, Georgia, by a group of civic-minded business leaders who combined their diverse talents in the Pilot principles of “Friendship and Service” to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the world. They held their first meeting two days later on October 18, 1921. To celebrate the club’s founding and to honor the history and tradition of the organization, October 18th is set aside every year as Pilot International Founders Day. This year marks their 103nd anniversary!

Today, Pilot International is comprised of thousands of members around the world who are dedicated to giving back to their communities. And through their sponsorship of the Anchor Club and Compass Club, Pilot International also fosters volunteerism in thousands of young people worldwide, calling on them to “do more, care more, and be more.”

Pilot International’s mission is to influence positive change in communities, and they do that in many ways. With a focus on encouraging brain safety and brain health and supporting those who care for others, Pilot International provides scholarships and grants to support research, education, and community care-giving programs. They also partner with Project Lifesaver, Brain Injury Association of America, and other organizations.

The Pilot Club of Cullman is very much involved in Cullman and Cullman County. Some local projects that the Cullman Pilot Club are involved with include:

  • Pilot Light Home: This was the Cullman Pilot Club’s first community service project. Developed in 1982, the Pilot Light Home provides safe shelter, food, and clothing for children in need in our community.
  • Margaret Jean Jones Center: The Margaret Jean Jones Center provides day-time care and attention for adults with brain-related disorders. Local Pilots provide entertainment, books, cookouts, refreshments, story-telling, and more for the attendees. Pilots also throw a Christmas party each year for the attendees of the center.
  • Field Of Miracles: The Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism’s Field of Miracles is a multi-use sports complex featuring the Miracle League Field, a rubberized field surface that can accommodate athletes of all capacities. Pilots provide support and encouragement for Field of Miracles participants as well as scholarship money for those who may not be able to participate in the local Miracle League Baseball program.
  • Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults (Camp ASCCA): This is a place where campers with disabilities can participate in horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, water sliding, water tubing, and other camping activities in a safe environment. Cullman Pilots, along with other Alabama District Pilot International Clubs, raise money to support building and maintaining this nationally recognized therapeutic recreation facility.
  • Alzheimer’s Support Group: Sponsored by Cullman Regional Medical Center, this support group is for caregivers of family or friends with Alzheimer’s. Cullman Pilots provide refreshments and a program for this group, as well as friendship and conversation.
  • Pilot International: The Pilot Club of Cullman contributes funds to support the overall focus of Pilot International: Brain safety, brain research, and assistance to those living with brain-related disorders, injuries, or disabilities.

“The Pilot Club supports the Field of Miracles and countless other projects in Cullman throughout the years,” said Mayor Jacobs. “They are a great force for good in our community.”

In the Pilot International Founders Week proclamation, Mayor Jacobs encouraged citizens to learn more about Pilot International and about our local Pilot Club of Cullman. To find out more about the Pilot Club of Cullman visit them on Facebook (facebook.com/cullmanpilotclub) or send an email to [email protected].

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