The 2011 CADF Volunteer of The Year will be recognized at the Mississippi Wildlife Federation’s 2012 Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet
This award is given for the most significant demonstration of commitment to “the Vision” of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation through contribution of time, energy and talents toward fulfilling and perpetuating the mission of the program.
Mike Hainsey
The 2011 Recipient is Mike Hainsey of Columbus, MS
Mike Hainsey is a native of Titusville, Florida and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. After a distinguished career as an Air Force pilot, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he has held numerous positions including president of the Mississippi Airports Association, Commissioner on the Lowndes County Port Authority, and director of search and rescue for the State of Mississippi Civil Air Patrol. He is currently Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, MS. His passion for community service is obvious, and exceeded only by his passion to serve The Lord. Mike feels a particular calling for families with children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
He is the cofounder of Dreams On Wings, a charity that provides the thrill of flight for children battling serious illnesses. It is also this passion that resulted in his becoming involved with Catch-A-Dream; it is here that he found a venue through which he uses his personal testimony to make a difference in the lives of others. He has served as the Host on four Catch-A-Dream trips in locations including Florida, Montana and Alaska. On each trip Mike has connected with the family in an intimate and personal fashion, compassionately sharing his own life journey as a parent whose child bravely battled cancer for several years. He is an ideal Volunteer Host who truly cares for, and can identify with, these hurting families.
Mike presenting a special plaque to a CADF Junior Partner
Families consistently comment on Mike’s special empathy and capacity to encourage them through their struggles with questions that none of us can answer. He constantly promotes our principles and “The Vision” in every conversation or venue possible. He has made numerous presentations to civic clubs and other organizations on our behalf, and has facilitated relationships with several key local industry sponsors. Mike is always available and eager to help, despite his very busy work schedule, lending not only time and physical energy, but also perspective and wise counsel as we continually seek ways to improve the program. Like many other volunteers, Mike stands ready to defend and support the premise upon which Catch-A-Dream was founded and the principles on which it operates daily. We proudly present the eighth annual Catch-A-Dream Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award to Mike Hainsey.
