When Passion Meets Philanthropy: Taking Your Children to New Heights

A strong commitment to philanthropy and community service is an integral part of Fabick Cat’s culture and history. While financial resources are crucial to charitable organizations, we understand that volunteers are also a key component of their success. Fabick Cat employees are well known for donating their time and sharing their valuable skills, which is encouraged throughout our company.

To support the dedication of our employees, Fabick Cat offers up to 8 hours of additional paid time off every calendar year to help them serve others. These charitable hours do not impact the employee’s normal paid time off use or accrual. With approval from their managers, employees can take the time they need to volunteer alone or as a team to donate their time. This helps our employees give back to their communities and contribute to causes that are important to them.

A Story of Shared Success

As an organization, we would like to take a moment to recognize Matt VonRuden, a Technician from our La Crosse location, for his outstanding commitment to his community. He assists the La Crosse chapter of EAA with their Young Eagles program. Using his 1941 Taylorcraft, 65 horsepower, 2 seat plane Matt has given many kids their first plane ride.

Early experiences in aviation help children build confidence and may even lay the foundation for a life-long passion; a passion that could develop into a vocation later in life. Taking the time to mentor youth has a lasting impact on our communities. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers like Matt.

“Each Young Eagle flight is free, about 20 minutes long, and available to children aged 8 through 17. Kids can fly as often as they like, and each time they get an entry in their logbook and a certificate. The La Crosse chapter of EAA flies Young Eagles the second Saturday of every month, May through October. My Taylorcraft and I have flown over 50 Young Eagles to date. It is the most rewarding kind of flying I do. It’s a joy and a privilege to do these flights, especially when it’s the first time off the ground for some of these kids.” – Matt VonRuden, La Crosse Technician

EAA Young Eagles Program

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane. It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. Today, more than 2 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program.
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