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The Pegasus Project was established in 1993 by concerned Flight Attendants at various AFA carriers. The intent of the founders and the current Pegasus Board is to help AFA members who are in need of financial aid due to a critical, life-threatening illness or disabling injury.

The Project assists with critical, life threatening illness or disabling injuries, like lupus, cancer, exposure to toxic fumes on an aircraft, degenerative disk disease, AIDS/HIV, hepatitis and chemical dependency just to name a few. The fund was not intended to be used for medical procedures, which are more common and less threatening to the individual, like tonsillectomies, hysterectomies and broken bones etc.

We hope that you will consider supporting Pegasus, as it is the lifeline that has helped hundreds of our brothers and sisters at AFA carriers to feel connected with their flight attendant family and helped to financially see them through the most difficult times of their lives. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The Pegasus Project

The success of the Pegasus Project depends on the kindness and generosity of members giving their time, talents, resources and donations to The Pegasus Project to support our co-workers in need.
 



Executive Director & President

Nicki Kirkeby has worked as a professional flight attendant for America West Airlines (AWA), now US Airways (USA) for the past 23-years. In May of 1999 she was elected as Secretary Treasurer (ST) for the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 66. During her term as ST she began her work with the Pegasus Project. In May of 2001 Nicki was elected to the Pegasus Board of Directors and served as Treasurer until 2007, at which time she was elected as President of the organization. She has devoted countless hours fundraising through fashion shows, yard sales, payroll deduction drives, bake sales and raised awareness for the organization through the yearly United Way Campaign held at her airline. Nicki developed relationships with management and helped bring about a recycling program from cans that were served on the aircraft. The proceeds from this program are donated to Pegasus through the United Way drive. 

Nicki was also instrumental in establishing a yearly silent auction held at the AFA-CWA Annual Board of Directors meeting. The 2009 auction raised over $7,000 for flight attendants in need.

Vice President

 

Gary Richardson, a twenty-three year professional flight attendant for America West Airlines, now US Airways, is proud to continue his support of flight attendants as Vice President for the Pegasus Project.

 

Gary has served the membership of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA in various capacities throughout the years; including Grievance Chairperson, MEC Vice President and then MEC President for AFA-CWA Council 66.  He has held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the CWA Arizona State Council and served on the Board of Directors for the Labor Community Fund of Arizona.  Gary continues his active involvement in the Labor Movement as an Executive Board Member for the Arizona AFL-CIO.  


Treasurer & Administrative Director

 

Throughout her 24 years as a professional Flight Attendant,
Bonnie Vezie has dedicated much of her time to volunteering and in assisting her peers in a myriad of ways. Eight years ago she was approached to participate in a fundraiser for the newly developing Pegasus Project. Bonnie continued to volunteer with the Project, and was elected Treasurer because of her dedication and continuing support. She held this position for seven years and her fiscal management of The Project over that period has enabled hundreds of flight attendants overcome their personal setbacks, while keeping The Project a viable option for all of AFA’s Flight Attendants.

Bonnie was a Professional Standards Representative, and an Employee Assistance Representative, and was selected as a Critical Incident Response Team Representative. Her work in these arenas allows her to draw from that training and those experiences to help the Flight Attendants who would turn to Pegasus to not only confront their problems, but also to help them work through them, give them hope, and to find other long-term solutions.

In her newly elected position as the Treasurer & Administrative Director, her experience, training and the passion that she has for both volunteerism and the Pegasus Project, will enable the organization to reach new heights.
 


Board Members
 

D
elores Jefferson, a native Atlantan, retired Bank employee following 30 years of service.  Flight Attendant with AirTran Airways since 1997. Presently serves as an AirTranportation Supervisor (Check Flight Attendant), also previously served as a Charter Rep for approximately 3 years.  Recipient of one of 44 of the 2008 AirTran Airways Employee Excellence Awards,  Received LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional) and NCAC I (National Certified Addiction Counselor) certifications in 2008.  Serves as as an Employee Assistance Peer Representative since 2003.

 

Valerie Dugan-Pankratz has worked as a professional flight attendant for thirty-three years. She was a flight attendant with TWA for ten years before coming to America West, now US Airways. Valerie adopted two retired Greyhounds and as a result has become an active volunteer with the Adopt a Greyhound Organization and the Cat Rescue League’s “Paws for Love”. Valerie has been a strong supporter of The Pegasus Project, donating hours of volunteer service during the Phoenix Annual Yard Sale, the United Way campaign and other events that raise funds and awareness to flight attendants. Her hours of volunteer work have rewarded the organization with a certificate from US Airways “Flights for Fifty” which recognizes over fifty hours of volunteer work that employees contribute to non profit organizations. Her compassion and enthusiasm for the organization are great assets!



Lisa Granauro

Alin Boswell

Brian Clark

Advisory Board Member

Marc Huffman
 



 


Pegasus Project ● PO Box 40035 ● Phoenix, AZ  85067-0035
thepegasusproject.org
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