The good Cornellians can do: David Benton ’71

In the course of his career as a hotelier, David Benton '71 learned a thing or two about how to host a good party. When a friend asked him to help organize a gala fundraiser for Angel Flight East, David gladly agreed.

The mission of the organization deeply resonated with him. Angel Flight transports patients who need specialized medical care via a network of volunteer pilots and drivers. Transportation is free to these patients, who would not otherwise have access to the care they need.

After six years of organizing successful fundraisers for Angel Flight East, David moved to California. There, he decided to get involved in a more direct capacity as a driver for Angel Flight West. David picks up patients from the airport and drives them to and from their medical appointments. Volunteers like David have helped transport more than 30,000 patients over the past 43 years.

“I recently took a very young person who was diagnosed with cancer. I knew that but for Angel Flight West, this family could not have had treatment at this specialized cancer treatment hospital,” David says. “By providing both air and land transport, Angel Flight is saving lives every day!”

The work is mutually beneficial. David finds his volunteer service gratifying. “It gives me a purpose to fulfill,” he says.

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.