The Pilot Club of Suffolk, Inc. received the Best of the Best Award in July at the Pilot International Convention in San Diego.

The award recognizes the club for the projects that it held during the last year. The Pilot Club of Suffolk was chartered in 1974 and currently has approximately 35 members.

Each year, the club makes 30 to 40 lap robes, 50 to 60 walker/wheelchair bags and 50 catheter bags each year to present to several nursing facilities in the area.

Each year, $100 is budgeted towards this project. The club also holds a shower in August, in which material, sewing supplies and money are donated by members for the project.

Several members make the lap robes, which are 45 inches square and made with flannelette on one side and material that is bright and colorful on the other side.

The walker bags are made with pockets and can be attached to the wheelchairs or walkers with Velcro tabs. Colorful material also is used to make bags to cover catheter bags. This enables patients the freedom of riding around in a wheelchair without feeling conspicuous.

During the year, several workshops are held to sew the different items. A label is placed on each lap robe and walker/wheelchair bags to show it was presented by the club.

These items are presented to three different facilities in the area and benefit between 100 and 150 patients in these facilities. Most of the lap robes go to the Alzheimer’s wings at those facilities.

This project has been on going for the past four years, and members have plans to keep it going for many more to come.

Another successful project that the Pilot Club of Suffolk was recognized for is the Annual Queen’s Luncheon. Every year the week before Peanut Fest, club members produce this event. The event requires the participation of the whole club.

Decorations for the event are chosen by a decoration committee, and many hours are put in by club members to make items to be sold at the event. The Peanut Fest helps to promote this event, along with the media and local venues.

The Queen’s Luncheon usually sells out, and it nets between $4,000 to $5,000 to support club functions.