The spirit of charitable giving can be seen in the character of the Jet Linx team across the country. When New Way Academy needed a place to hold their annual auction and gala, Jon Hulburd, Jet Linx Scottsdale Base CEO, did not hesitate to offer their local hangar and ramps to host the special event. “I’m a huge believer!” exclaimed Hulburd. “New Way has grown and grown to amazing levels. We have people who move to the Phoenix area just so their child can attend this school.”

New Way Academy is a premier independent school for grades K-12 specializing in research-based teaching with personalized instruction in a small class setting – 7:1 student to teacher ratio. Students at New Way Academy have learning differences making traditional education difficult for them to thrive and learn. New Way’s certified teachers create curriculums around each student’s ability and need so concepts and subjects are taught in a way they understand, providing them the confidence and skills to last a lifetime.

Hulburd is a long-time New Way board member, as well as an alumni parent. His youngest son Louis attended New Way from Pre-K through third grade before moving on to other schools. He’s currently finishing his freshman year at a prestigious Phoenix high school, maintaining a strong academic record.

Hulburd remains committed to seeing New Way succeed even though he no longer has children attending. “We have about 250 kids enrolled at New Way and roughly 50 of them are transplants from other areas of the country looking for help,” Hulburd explained. “Lots of these kids have tried other versions of schools; private and public schools. Their parents are frustrated and they are even more frustrated.”

New Way operates as a non-profit 501(c)3, relying on the generosity of supporters and year-round fundraising to keep their doors open. The “Let Your Dreams Take Flight” auction and gala held on May 6, 2017 raised over $200,000, and the Jet Linx Scottsdale hangar was the perfect location to hold the event – marrying theme with location.

“Many alumni students shared their personal and heartwarming stories on the confidence gained from attending the New Way Academy, and how the unique learning environment made a difference not only with their self-esteem but overall quality of life,” explained Ellen Polcari, Jet Linx Scottsdale Client Services Specialist.

Keeping events fresh and new can be a struggle for any organization, and the Scottsdale facility allowed New Way to create a memorable and unique event. “The Jet Linx ramp and hangars were the perfect setting for such an intimate gathering,” Polcari stated. “We received only positive feedback from all attendees and staff on the ambiance of the evening.”

A highlight of the evening was the silent auction. The most popular package won was ‘Pack the Van with Mr. Walker (New Way Academy Head of School) and Mrs. Ross (New Way Academy Executive Director),’ which sold for nearly $2,500. The winner will get to choose 12 friends to join them for an afternoon adventure on a school van on the date of their choice. The day includes lunch at the winner’s preferred venue with the added fun of DJ-duties in the van and a stop at a local ice cream shop. Other popular packages included a guitar signed by Sammy Hagar; Girls or Guys Night Out with Mrs. Ross; Octane Racing with Ms. Johnson and Mrs. DuBois; and an Arizona Cardinals David Johnson signed and framed 11×14 photo.

“The event was a complete success and a total blast!” Polcari exclaimed.

To learn more about New Way Academy, visit http://newwayacademy.org