Prepared for takeoff

November 3, 2016 by PATH

Delta Air Lines’ giving force awakens others to global health needs.
A little boy stands inside with his arms stretched upward.

Delta became a PATH champion in 2013, drawn to our work fighting malaria and our decades-long focus on improving the health of mothers and children worldwide. Photo: PATH/Will Boase.

PATH programs are propelled by the incredible generosity of our supporters. When we say we’re working to ensure health equity for all, we really mean we, with heartfelt gratitude for our diverse community of donors—big and small. With a wealth of experience in making global connections, Delta Air Lines is a key corporate sponsor that understands PATH’s approach to addressing challenges around the world and aims to help our ideas take flight.

“Delta is a global brand, and we work every day to engineer innovative solutions to complex issues in our industry,” says Tony Gonchar, director global sales, Pacific Northwest at Delta. “We are inspired by PATH’s creative spirit in turning bold ideas into breakthrough health solutions for some of the world’s most complex problems. We are proud to partner with such an outstanding organization.”

A philosophy of giving

Portrait of Tony Gonchar.

“We are inspired by PATH’s creative spirit in turning bold ideas into breakthrough health solutions for some of the world’s most complex problems.”—Tony Gonchar, director global sales, Pacific Northwest at Delta Air Lines. Photo: PATH/Christopher Nelson P

As part of their philanthropic mission, Delta seeks local partners who share their global outlook. In addition to our accomplishments as a global health innovator, PATH caught Delta’s attention as a Seattle-based organization operating on an international scale. Delta first became a PATH champion in 2013 when the airline began to expand its Seattle operations. They were initially drawn to our work in fighting malaria and our decades-long focus on improving the health of mothers and children worldwide.

Delta is a creative and dynamic ally. For the third year running, they’ve been the “Visionary Sponsor” for our annual Celebration of Philanthropy, where we honor contributors to PATH’s Reach Campaign each fall. The airline has also helped fuel our global travel program, PATH Journeys; provided funding for important PATH outreach and fundraising events like our Breakfast for Global Health; and hosted a golf tournament to benefit PATH’s work that raised nearly US$140,000 for our programs.

Delta employees are encouraged to give through the company’s philanthropic projects, including national blood drives dating back to World War II and global disaster relief efforts. And earlier this year, Delta pledged to give 1 percent of their net income from the previous year to charitable organizations.

“PATH’s commitment to research excellence and practical, sustainable solutions that can be replicated and adopted in the countries where they work is what makes them so inspirational,” says Gonchar. “It’s humbling to know that we at Delta are able to help the incredible PATH scientists, researchers, and on-the-ground pioneers achieve their goals through our support.”

At PATH, collaboration is central to our approach and crucial to our success. We thank the generous people at Delta for their wholehearted commitment.