Hope for Haiti honors Bill Earls as first Heart of Gold recipient

Pilot Bill Earls, left, with Hope for Haiti programs director Tiffany Kuehner and co-pilot Larry Lappin at the Les Cayes Airport after completion of the second Hope for Haiti hurricane relief airlift. Bill Earls, a 25-year resident of Naples, has been chosen to receive the first-ever Heart of Gold Award from Hope for Haiti. The award is intended to acknowledge a volunteer who has exhibited extraordinary service in support of Hope for Haiti's mission to improve the quality of life for people in Haiti, particularly children, through education, nutrition and healthcare and through the provision of emergency relief services.

In 2008, Mr. Earls put his two greatest passions — aviation and helping other people — to work in support of the people in the Les Cayes District of southern Haiti, which had been hit with devastating storms. Mr. Earls has piloted his aircraft to the stricken area on three occasions, each time delivering 1,000 pounds of medical supplies and nutrition packets.

"Bill Earls made a tremendously positive impact on the lives of hundreds of Haitian families," said Dorothy Pullen, executive director of Hope for Haiti, in announcing the inaugural Heart of Gold Award.

Hope for Haiti partners with those in Haiti who have proven records of success and supports them in furthering their work. The agency ensures that 95 cents of every dollar donated is used for programs that can help create a better future for the children of Haiti.

Mr. Earls, who is an agent with John R. Wood Realtors, will receive the Heart of Gold Award at Hope for Haiti's annual gala Saturday, March 7. The blacktie evening takes place at the Jubilee Center; tickets for $300 are available by calling 434-7183 or by visiting www. hopeforhaiti.com.