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Pentastar Aviation helps bring Christmas cheer to more than 5,000 Michigan children

Waterford, Mich. – Pentastar Aviation once again hosted the gift collection, sorting and distribution for Child and Family Services of Michigan’s 44th annual Operation Good Cheer program this past weekend. In addition to hosting the event, Pentastar Aviation employees sponsored 50 children. This year, 5,258 children will receive gifts through Operation Good Cheer – a record number.

“Filling our hangar with gifts for these children is always heartwarming and it’s our privilege to host this event  every year,” said Greg Schmidt, President & CEO, Pentastar Aviation.  “Our team is proud to be a part of delivering more than 15,000 Christmas gifts to children across the state of Michigan.”

Gifts that are dropped off at Pentastar Aviation are sorted and then loaded onto aircraft, trucks and other vehicles to be distributed to Michigan children in private, nonprofit social service agencies and foster care, residential treatment or group homes.  This year, hundreds of donors, including individuals, families, employer groups, schools and community service organizations, purchased gifts from “Wish Lists” provided by children from 70 participating local social service agencies.  Each child receives at least three gifts, including items such as toys, clothing, bicycles and books.

“The spirit of Operation Good Cheer is really brought full circle by thousands of amazing volunteers and numerous local partners. This ‘spirit’ is what brings happiness and hope to thousands of children every holiday season,” said Sherry Brackenwagen, Administrative Director of Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. “We are especially grateful to have longtime supporters like Pentastar Aviation by our side.”

About Pentastar Aviation

For 50 years, Pentastar Aviation has been a leader in the world of business aviation. Pentastar Aviation provides award-winning aircraft maintenance, aircraft management services, aviation advisors, avionics design/installation/repair and aircraft charter through Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc.  Pentastar Aviation’s repair stations at Oakland International (KPTK) and Oxford (OXC) airports are among the most expansive and well-equipped facilities in the nation.  Pentastar’s world-class FBO at Oakland County International Airport provides exceptional customer service and amenities to regional, continental and global travelers.  Pentastar Aviation is a proud provider of Avfuel branded fuels.  Pentastar Aviation supports many charities and       aviation-based education initiatives including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Operation Good Cheer, Sky Hope Network, EAA Young Eagles and local Aviation Day programming.

About Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc.

Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. is a private, statewide, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization which provides administrative services to nine member agencies and implements its own services and programs, including: Post-Adoption Services, Confidential Intermediary Services, Children’s Entitlement Fund and Operation Good Cheer.  Individuals interested in more information about Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc., its programs, or how to make a financial contribution, can visit www.cfsm.org or contact Sherry Brackenwagen at 517.349.6226.