Wheels Up announces CARES Philanthropy program

Wheels Up King Air line up

Kenny Dichter, CEO and founder of Wheels Up has launched Wheels Up CARES, a philanthropic initiative to raise awareness and funds for a cause important to the company, and its members.

Through the WHEELS UP CARES program, a Wheels Up Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft is custom-designed to represent the established cause to enter the fleet—where it will remain indefinitely—as a flying symbol of each charity’s mission.

WHEELS UP CARES supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September with the first-ever teal Beechcraft King Air 350i joining the Wheels Up fleet benefitting the Janet Burros Memorial Foundation.

The Teal Plane made its inaugural flight to the 19th Ovarian Cancer National Conference in Washington D.C., with ovarian cancer survivor and advocate, Sherry Pollex. Pollex and her boyfriend, NASCAR racer Martin Truex, Jr. are partners of Wheels Up in this endeavour.

“Just as Wheels Up has transformed private aviation, we set out to create an innovative way to inspire others to support great causes and ‘UP’ the way they care.”

Kenny Dichter said: “Just as Wheels Up has transformed private aviation, we set out to create an innovative way to inspire others to support great causes and ‘UP’ the way they care. We are a company with a social responsibility, and this effort reflects our commitment, and that of our members, to help make the world a better, safer and healthier place. It’s rewarding to the see impact that the WHEELS UP CARES aircraft have on the tarmac and in the air, flying from city to city to generate awareness for important causes all year long.”

Wheels Up will donate a portion of the fee for each membership purchased during the month of September 2016 to the Janet Burros Memorial Foundation.

“It’s time to bring attention to ovarian cancer, the most fatal form of gynecological cancer, which is commonly referred to as the silent killer,” said Chet Burros. “The Teal Plane serves as a tribute to all of the families who are affected by ovarian cancer and I am enthusiastic that our partnership with Wheels Up will make a difference by raising awareness and increasing support for needed research.”