At Endeavor Air, we believe in going above and beyond  — both on the line and in our community. We serve our customers each time they step on board with us, but we also acknowledge the importance of inspiring, assisting and impacting people beyond the airport. From attending company-sponsored service events, inspiring the next generation, donating resources and so much more – our Endeavor people constantly lend a helping hand to others. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, read how our team positively impacts our communities throughout the year. 

Connecting the City

The smell of popcorn drifts its way into a North Manhattan school entrance as sounds of dancing feet echo down the hall. The gym bustles with parents graciously filling their bags with produce while raffle numbers are called to lucky winners of fresh ham. The vibrant energy fully encompasses a Sports and Health in the City community event night at PS 189M. 

PS 189M is one of many local schools where Endeavor flight attendant Andre Pope can be found supporting Sports and Health in the City – a nonprofit bridging the gap between education and athletics, bringing awareness and providing knowledge of food and health justice to communities of color.  

Andre Pope has been part of this nonprofit organization since October 2022 and is the Head of Basketball Operations. Andre was playing basketball at a park nearby when his college roommate and founder of the nonprofit, Diogenes “D.” Montano, pulled up and asked if he would be interested in coaching the organization’s basketball team.  

“It was very impromptu. We’re good friends and I had been to a couple of community events, but I wasn’t officially on the team,” Andrew said. “D. said, ‘can you start on Monday?’ And sure enough, I’ve been on the team for over two years.”  

Over the years, the organization has flourished. The nonprofit provides the opportunity for NYC public school students to join basketball and baseball teams or partake in dance and yoga, while also hosting nutritional workshops and family events throughout the year.   

“This program shows that you’re not alone,” Andre said. “Some kids deal with a lot of hardships at home and this is a place they can come to and know people care about them. We show them that there is more to do outside of your neighborhood.”   

Sports and Health in the City isn’t just about learning how to make a 3-pointer before the buzzer; it helps give students confidence and skills on the court, and lets it translate into their everyday lives. Learning about teamwork, resilience and sacrifice are key lessons to carry with you wherever you go.   

“I’ve seen many of my players change from a quiet and shy kid to a confident individual who holds their head up high by the end of the season,” Andre said. “Their faces when they make their first layup or win their first game makes me feel amazing and reminds me why I love being here.” 

D. claims that Andre is one of their most popular coaches at Sports and Health. 

“The children are very receptive to him,” D. said. “He treats these kids like they’re his own and guides them under his wing. I think everyone on the leadership team sees their younger selves in these athletes and truly wants the best for them.”   

The nonprofit has also had many success stories – athletes receiving full ride scholarships to D1 colleges and a handful soon-to-be drafted into the professional ranks.   

“You don’t want these kids to lose out on the opportunity to play in college just because of financial problems,” said D. “Some of the families are immigrants of this country just starting off, so our sponsors and donations can fund their training for them to be at the high-level standard.”

Partnering with Bert’s Big Adventure

In the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Endeavor employee volunteers could be seen wearing Mickey ears and cheering for children and their families as they boarded the aircraft. 
 
This was a sign that Endeavor was once again proudly partnering with Bert’s Big Adventure (BBA), helping to provide 14 deserving kids and their families with a trip of a lifetime to Walt Disney World. 
 
Bert Weiss and his colleagues on the morning radio show, “The Bert Show,” started this program that provides an all-expenses-paid journey to Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families each year. 
 
Endeavor has been the official airline partner of BBA since 2018, operating the flights from Atlanta to Orlando and back. Endeavor employees from across the country came to volunteer – decorating the gate area, being family sponsors and giving the families VIP treatment.  
 
Peggy Wiley, ATL ACC Director, is a huge part of helping make these flights a success.  
 
“For me, being a part of Bert’s Big Adventure and this amazing organization is truly rewarding; I look forward to this special event every year,” Peggy said. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and the joy it brings to their families as they enjoy a break from everyday challenges is incredibly fulfilling.”  
 
“Giving back to the community is a core part of our culture at Endeavor Air, and being able to make a difference in others’ lives gives me a deep sense of purpose and joy,” Peggy said. 

Inspiring the Next Generation

During the school year, several of our employees travel to local schools to share about careers in the aviation industry. Our employees recognize the importance of spending time with the next generation to keep the spirit of aviation alive. 

Kaely Skarsten, MSP-based flight attendant, is one of the avid school visitors. Kaely has eight nieces and nephews, and she has paid a surprise visit to seven of the eight elementary schools, each time dressed in her uniform to read the class a book about being a flight attendant. 

“I feel so fortunate to be able to have done this so many times. The sparkle in their eyes and the funny questions these kids come up with make it so worthwhile,” Kaely said. “I am from a small town in western Minnesota, so ‘becoming a flight attendant’ was not on any of the lists for a career when I was a young student. It’s important to put a tiny bug in their young ears to think about what a flight attendant is and what we do.” 
 
“This career has brought me the opportunity to travel all over the world,” Kaely said. “I am proud of my long career here and hope to inspire others. There is a big, beautiful world out there!”