2026 “Aviation Gives Back” Exceeds Prior Year’s Donations!

2026 Aviation Gives Back Benefits Local United Way

Punta Gorda, FL (Feb. 11, 2026) - The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) is pleased to announce it raised $6,400 during its fourth annual Aviation Gives Back Campaign to support the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC).

"I am excited to share that we exceeded donations and engagement from last year's campaign - all in support of UWCC's mission to mobilize the power of our community so all can thrive,"said PGD's CEO James W. Parish. "Through Aviation Gives Back, our airport community joined together for food, prize drawings and fun - all while helping our neighbors that are struggling to meet basic needs and support their own families."

The employee-led campaign included a chili cookoff fundraiser in December, plus a celebratory BBQ and Chance Auction drawings on Feb. 10, 2026. While most of the monetary donations were contributed by CCAA employees, Airport Authority Commissioners and airport tenants also made personal contributions to make the campaign a success.

In addition, 15 supporting businesses donated Chance Auction items for prize drawings, and were celebrated as "PGD's Local Favorites" online and on Facebook.

"I'd like to thank all our employees and partners that donated their hard-earned money, time and effort to make this campaign a success! We look forward to engaging more airport partners and tenants for our 2027 campaign," said Parish.

Special thanks to Allegiant, Sunseeker Resort, Dubz BBQ, Leroy's Southern Kitchen & Bar, Celtic Ray Public House, Red Tiki Tours, Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club, FlyBright Pilot Academy, Knapp Outdoor Expeditions, Punta Gorda Adventures, Suncoast Biplanes, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, King Fisher Fleet, Edify, and Titan Aviation Fuels for donating gifts valued at $200 or more. Thank you to our corporate partners, Fifth Third Bank and C&S Companies for making significant donations to this cause.

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