Arrindell Aviation’s 20th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser Celebration a Resounding Success

Nov 24, 2009 10:00 AM

Arrindell Aviation, at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, held its much-anticipated anniversary event and fundraiser November 6 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The celebration was attended by more than 150 well-wishers, including Commissioner Franz Richardson and First Lady, Angela Richards-Huggins as well as an astonishing array of clients, friends and local business persons.

Local and international businesses gave generously to help kick-off A.S.P.I.R.E., which stands for Arrindell: Supporting, Promoting, Inspiring & Rewarding Youth in Education, a benefit for The Unity Foundation. The event included both live and silent auctions to raise money for the Foundation.

St. Maarten businesses were generous with their support, giving attendees the opportunity to bid on many exquisite local auction items such as:

• A five-course wine-pairing luncheon for four people from Bacchus.
• Two roundtrip airline tickets from Dutch Antilles Express.
• A five-night stay from Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.
• Two roundtrip American Airlines tickets to Europe and South America.
• A gift certificate from Fabulous Gourmet Feasts Catering
• A two-night stay at La Samanna Resort & Spa

Also included in the auction were original paintings donated by Carole Arrindell, long-time local and wife of Frank Arrindell.

The 20th Anniversary Event and Fundraiser for St. Maarten’s Unity Foundation was the brainchild of Frank Arrindell, President of Arrindell Aviation.

Guests of the affair were treated to two types of music as the Mystic Roots band entertained indoors while Anastasia Larmonie’s Jazz trio delighted all on the deck. Invitees dined on fabulous hors ‘d oeuvres and cocktails and then vied for amazing one-of-a-kind trips, gift certificates and paintings during the live and silent auction. Guests received parting gifts donated by Guavaberry: hand painted, customized 20th-anniversary bottles of rum.

The Carnival 8-Night Cruise and Grammy Awards Packages were the big winners of the night helping to raise thousands of dollars for The Unity Foundation.

Sponsors of the gala and fundraiser included American Airlines, Jeppesen, Island Global Yachting, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Guavaberry, Dutch Antilles Express Princess Port de Plaisance, Bacchus Restaurant, Boolchands, Fabulous Gourmet Feasts Catering, La Samanna Resort & Spa, KLM and Chevron Global Aviation.

Of special note during the evening was the heart-warming speech given by budding pilot, Francisco Sprott, to Frank Arrindell. Arrindell is sponsoring Sprott’s flight training at Caribbean Flight Academy in St Maarten.

“I was given so much support when I was starting out in St Maarten," Arrindell said. "It’s important for me to give back to the people and community of St. Maarten. Helping Francisco and The Unity Foundation are just some of the ways I can do this.”

The Unity Foundation was created to foster an interest in learning in St. Maarten youth through technology. Frank Arrindell bought a computer for Franchesca when she was eight years old — a Commodore 128.

“I was hooked from the start,” said Franchesca. “Back then no one had a personal computer at home. Today, however, children are at a serious disadvantage in this world without basic computer skills.”

Franchesca started the school to help make sure every child on the island of St. Maarten would know how to use a computer and enjoy using one. The education of St. Maarten’s children is the goal of the Unity Foundation.

Arrindell Aviation was founded with five employees who set out to provide unmatched service, while meeting the meticulous demands of the industry. By never compromising this goal, they grew to 70 employees that personify a unique corporate culture of excellence. Arrindell Aviation has received many honors, such as number one FBO on St. Maarten and number five FBO in the Caribbean by Pro Pilot Magazine.

Arrindell Aviation, Princess Juliana International Airport
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
599-546-7840

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