The Pilot Club of Sayville: Making a Difference

If you are thinking of volunteering your time or would like to get involved in a local organization, the Pilot Club of Sayville may be the answer. The Pilot Club's main focus is on research, prevention and treatment of brain related disorders, including trauma to the brain (stroke and injury) and mental and emotional diseases. According to the club, it offers volunteers the opportunity to realize their potential and fulfill their personal commitments to helping others.

Pilot Club of Sayville is a division of Pilot International, one of the leading civic service organizations in the world. Named for the intrepid riverboat pilots, "Pilot" chose its name to represent guidance and leadership. Members are active or retired executive, business, professional and community leaders, all with one common goal: to help those in need and to improve the quality of life in their community and communities throughout the world. 

"Nationally our club has worked and walked ‑ for and with - and donated time, ideas and money to so many organizations," said member Dolores Savitsky. "Beginning with the Alzheimer's Association we've worked our way right through the alphabet to the Scleroderma Foundation, telethons and walk-a-thons."

She continued, "Through a hands on approach and financial support, we've aided numerous local associations and programs including: AHRC, Sayville Project, BAFFA, Beacon House, Breast Cancer Walk, the Association for Technology Dependent Children's Angela's House, the Leeway School, Day Haven, a food pantry, a soup kitchen, adult and nursing homes, children's services, an ambulance service, national cemeteries and so many others. In the past, we've sponsored a mobile mammography unit, a Lead Poisoning Program, a Hurricane Alert Program. We have also sponsored Brain Awareness Week displays, blood drives, book drives, and food drives. We've taken on the publicizing and distribution of CHAD stickers and information.The CHAD program is a system for the rapid identification of children in an emergency situation. We have brought a BrainMinders Program (the Pilot Club's signature program) and a Bicycle Safety Program to our local schools."

The Pilot Club of Sayville awards $2,500 in academic scholarships at the high school. It also sponsors the Anchor Club of Sayville High School, a youth volunteer group. "We were involved in the community effort to establish a Reflective Garden in Sayville – the Common Ground," she said. The diversity of club projects gives members an opportunity to participate in areas that best suit their interests and talents and to experience a personal feeling of satisfaction.

The Pilot Club of Sayville emphasizes interesting and informative meetings, one on one mentoring and imaginative fundraisers. Program meetings are diverse and feature a wide variety of topics. The club is an energetic, forward-looking group who enjoys camaraderie and fun while serving the needs of the community.

The Pilot Club of Sayville will be sponsoring a bus trip to Atlantic City on Saturday, September 25. The bus will be departing at 7:45 a.m. from the Carvel Shopping Center. The cost of the trip is $35 per person and includes six hours in the casino.

The club is also planning a membership drive but the dates are not firm yet. In March 2011, the group is holding its big fundraiser - a Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and Dinner at Villa Lombardi's.

The Pilot Club of Sayville meets the first Wednesday of every month for a dinner/business meeting (there is a charge for dinner). For more information, please write to PO Box 642, Sayville, NY 11782.