MONTROSE, Colo. – Black Canyon Jet Center (BCJC) at Montrose Regional Airport has added a little pink to its ramp and some cash to Bosom Buddies of Southwestern Colorado. Half of the revenue from their new pink JetGo ground power unit (GPU) will be donated to the breast cancer awareness group and all monies raised will stay in Western Colorado.
A pink GPU on the ramp of an FBO will be an unusual sight – as well as a strong reminder to fight breast cancer – for pilots landing at Black Canyon Jet Center, a Phillips 66® Aviation-branded dealer.
Working closely with Aero Specialties of Boise, Idaho on selecting a model and painting the unit a perfect shade of pink, Black Canyon Jet Center purchased a custom JetGo GPU and added the universal breast cancer pink ribbon to be prominently displayed. As a current Bosom Buddies of Southwestern Colorado supporter, BCJC has promised to increase its support by donating half of all of the proceeds from their new pink GPU and also by using it to increase breast cancer awareness on the aircraft ramp. A GPU is used by some jet aircraft to supply power while they are on the ground and during starting.
“Our primary mission is supporting the flying community,” said Ken Watson, general manager at BCJC, “but we also have a responsibility to support families in our area. I don’t know anyone who isn’t affected by breast cancer, giving half of the revenue from our new JetGo GPU was an easy decision to make.”
President of Aero Specialties Inc, Matt Sheehan said, “AERO Specialties was delighted to be involved with Black Canyon Jet Center in the ‘Pink JetGo’ breast cancer awareness program. Black Canyon’s innovative approach to bring awareness and provide funding for this great cause is an excellent example of how the aviation community can have a broader impact in those around us. We love thinking “Pink” here at AERO.”
The local Colorado Bosom Buddies is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization with no paid staff. All monies raised stay local. The group provides emotional and financial support to those living in the communities of Southwestern Colorado who have been affected by the disease. They hold regular meetings, which provide a safe place for people to come together and to embrace and express their experiences.
Jenny Sullivan, treasurer and financial assistance director for Bosom Buddies, said, “Your generosity will go a long way helping Bosom Buddies to continue helping every local qualified patient seeking assistance with screening and medical care. The present economic climate and government cut backs have created more and more demand for our services. Your donations will help us fill that demand.
“Last year we helped more than 150 women with mammograms, ultra-sound screenings and the radiology readings. We helped 10 women receiving treatment at the San Juan Center with meeting their deductibles for treatments, surgeries, therapy and medication.”
Donations to the Bosom Buddies of Southwestern Colorado help provide awareness, early detection and “after-the-diagnosis” assistance for those who are affected by the disease. In addition, they also hold weekly support groups; provide financial assistance for mammograms and other related medical procedures; award scholarships to children of women who have been diagnosed; make available hats, scarves, wigs, bras and prosthesis; provide financial assistance for counseling services; and offer memorial funds, which provide financial assistance to children who have lost a parent to cancer.
“It is our honor to sponsor Bosom Buddies of Southwestern Colorado,” said Watson. “So many families are affected by the disease and we are excited to contribute not only to raising awareness, but also to providing funds to support those who have been impacted by breast cancer.”
Sullivan added, “I am very proud of our organization and I am passionate about the amount of help we are able to contribute to these patients. Just thinking about the GPU pulling up to an aircraft at the Montrose Airport and the publicity and awareness its presence will bring gives me cold chills. Wow, what a statement!”
Visitors are coming to the Western Slope of Colorado for business, pleasure and nonprofit purposes. Black Canyon Jet Center is a Phillips 66 Aviation-branded dealer and manages the fixed-base operations (FBO) for general aviation at the Montrose Regional Airport. Recognized as one of the top FBO’s in the country in 2010 by Aviation International News, Black Canyon Jet Center provides fuel, aircraft parking and world-class service to residents and visitors alike.
For more information, call 970-249-7111 or visit www.blackcanyonjet.com.
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Additional photos available upon request.
Please contact Katy Brink, BCJC, 970-249-7111, to request an image or for additional information.
