Colleen Smith and Sherley Selman, members of the Pilot Club of Greene County, joined more than a thousand Pilot members from all over the world at the Pilot International/Pilot International Foundation Annual Convention.

In addition to business meetings and workshops, convention attendees took part in the “PIF Walk,” a fundraising event held to increase awareness of brain injury and brain injury prevention.

Convention attendees also took part in a banquet and installation of Pilot International officers. Guest speakers included the radio personality Jason Hightower, the father of a child with autism, Barry Eggleston; and an expert on education of persons with brain-related disorders, Dale Metz.

Members of Anchor Clubs, the youth division of Pilot International, took part in on-site service project during the convention-creating artwork to be donated to local hospitals-as well as a fundraiser-a duck race at the resorts pool complex, the Lazy River. Anchor members also participated in the workshops addressing youth leadership and volunteer issues.

Founded in 1921, Pilot International is a human service organization of volunteers working together to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the world. The organization’s service focus is helping persons with brain related disorders and disabilities through education, volunteerism, and financial support. The Pilot International Foundation awards thousands of dollars annually in grants and scholarships to further education, research, and programs that benefit those affected by neurological diseases and injuries to the brain.

Locally, the Pilot Club of Greene County, supports the Pilot International focus by presenting the Brain Minders Program to local kindergarten students to encourage protecting the brain in everyday life; and contributions of time and monetary gifts to Penfield Christian Home, Circle of Love, Department of Family and Children’s Services, and Boswell-Parker Nursing Home. Alzheimer’s research is supported by donation of funds to Pilot International Foundation. Local youth are encouraged to continue their education through college scholarships.

To learn more about the Pilot Club of Green County, contact Sherley Selman, at (706) 486-4128.