The Volunteer Pilot Behind Our Annual Neal‘s Beard Off
For the past five years, our volunteer pilot and board member Neal Glassett has bravely put his signature beard on the line for us. It started as a small challenge and has become an annual fundraiser that successfully supports our 45-year mission (and entails several questionable facial hairstyle choices).
Behind the laughs, Neal’s Beard Off helps fuel free medical flights for people who must travel long distances for life-saving care. These are flights that make the difference between receiving timely treatment or not receiving it at all. This year’s goal is to raise $40,000, enough to coordinate 160 free medical flights.
To kick off this year’s event, we interviewed Neal about why he stepped up to start the Beard Off and how you can help make this year a success.
Q: How did you get involved with LifeLine Pilots?
A: I became a volunteer pilot for the organization in October of 2021. Since then, I’ve flown more than 40 flights for passengers so they can get the medical care they need. I also serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, which gives me another way to support the organization’s mission and growth.
Q: What is Neal’s Beard Off, and how did it start?
A: It’s a fun annual tradition we unknowingly started five years ago, and it has become more successful each year. People donate in support of me “styling” my beard in increasingly ridiculous ways. Anyone who donates gets exclusive emails from LifeLine Pilots that reveal each day’s new look. By the end of the week, the beard comes off for a public reveal. It’s a lighthearted way to support a very serious mission.
Q: Why did you start volunteering for LifeLine Pilots, and what do you like about it?
A: After finishing my pilot’s license in 2016, I needed a way to give my flying purpose. I’ve never been interested in just flying around the local area and looking down. I wanted to do something with my skills. To gain more experience and flight hours, I started by flying dogs for an organization called Pilots N Paws. I enjoyed doing that, so once I had more hours under my belt and added an instrument rating, I signed up to fly for LifeLine Pilots.
“I really enjoy being able to help people who are in a difficult time in their lives, trying to fight for their health. I am honored to be able to relieve a small part of their burden while they are going through such a difficult situation. I have made life-long friends through LifeLine Pilots flights.”
~ Neal Glassett
Q: When does this year’s fundraiser start, and how can people get involved?
A: This year’s Beard Off runs from Monday, February 9, through Friday, February 13.
Anyone can get involved by donating, sharing the fundraiser online, or following along with the daily transformations.
Join the fun, support the mission, and help Neal reach his $40,000 goal!
Visit secure.qgiv.com/for/nealsbeardoff.