Big Bend Aviation Programs Receives $100,000 Boeing Donation

Kalie DragoPublished: September 25, 2019

Boeing announced combined donations of $125,000 to Big Bend Community College and the Boys and Girls Club Wednesday. L-R: Boeing Vice President of Government Operations Bill McSherry, State Representative Tom Dent, Moses Lake Mayor Karen Liebrecht, BBCC Trustee Anna Franz, BBCC President Terry Leas, Boys and Girls Club executive director Kim Pope, State Representative Alex Ybarra (Photo provided by Big Bend Community College)

Boeing officials visited Big Bend Community College Wednesday and came bearing a gift in the form of a $100,000 donation to the school's Aviation Maintenance Technology and Commercial Pilot programs.

"The funds will be used by both programs to purchase equipment and support student scholarships," said Tiffany Sukola, communications coordinator.

Boeing, the current largest private employer in the state, has had a presence for several years in Moses Lake conducting flight training and testing. According to Sukola, Boeing recently announced plans for a hiring spree of temporary Moses Lake employees to work on its 737 MAX aircraft.

"Boeing wanted to demonstrate their commitment to being a supportive member of the Moses Lake community, so their donation to Big Bend also came with another announcement with another donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin," said Sukola.

Boeing donated $25,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs which will in turn support the organization's Education and Career Development program.