As Vertex Aerospace’s Aircraft Integration Support division approached the 2018 Holiday, our employees contemplated how to make a meaningful impact in the local community. We opted to generate some friendly competition between different departments in an effort to raise funds for two leading charitable organizations in the Crestview, Florida area – FamiliesFirst Network and Sharing and Caring.

“Operation Santa” is the FamiliesFirst Network’s annual Christmas toy drive that seeks to benefit over 2,000 local children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Resident food bank Sharing and Caring coordinates community efforts to meet emergency needs of families in the Crestview area. Our departments held a total of 12 different fundraisers that cumulatively raised an excess of $7,000 for the two charities.

The fabrication department, led by “Super” Dave Williams, raised a surplus of $4,700 to win the AIS fund raising competition. They’ve earned bragging rights for 2019, although there are currently strategy sessions in work for next year.

I’m proud to see our team focused on the things that truly matter most. As we move into the New Year with our new company, we continue to remain steadfast in our commitments to our community and customers.