Making a Difference, One Swing at a Time: Atlas Air’s Charity Golf Tournament Sets New Records!

Gary Wade takes the stage,

When it comes to giving back, the Atlas team knows how to make it count – and have fun doing it! Our annual Charity Golf Tournament just wrapped up its most successful year yet, bringing together over 200 passionate participants for a day of purpose-driven play.

“We knocked it out of the park this year,” exclaimed Gary Wade, Senior Vice President, Global Security, who’s been the driving force behind this beloved tradition for over 20 years. “The response was incredible – we were completely booked within 24 hours of sending invitations! Just like Atlas operations we had to ‘divert from our original date due to weather’ but we persevered and delivered.”

“Atlas has 5,000 team members, but when you count our customers, business partners, vendors, suppliers and service providers, we likely have nearly 15,000 in our extended Atlas family. We’re not just building a business, we’re creating a thriving culture of giving back and investing in the societies where we operate,” said Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide Chief Executive Officer. “We are very appreciative to all who have supported this event over the last 15 years, and especially thankful to Gary Wade and his security team, and the other volunteers, who work hard year after year to deliver this incredible event and raise funds for very important causes.”

Michael Steen speaks to the crowd after the tournament.

The tournament’s success means more support for our partner charities: K9s for Warriors and Liberty City Optimist Club.

You know an event is special when people mark their calendars a year in advance. Just ask Kim Cerny, Senior Manager, Crew Compensation & Administration, Flight Operations, who has volunteered at every tournament for the past two decades. “People literally count down the days to this event,” said Kim.

This year’s tournament touched hearts in powerful ways. Warrior Thomas, attended with his son, Kyle and service dog Titan, putting a face to the profound impact of our ongoing support of K9s for Warriors.

“Because of Titan, I got my life back,” Thomas shared candidly. “My wife has her husband back, and my sons have their father back.”

Through Atlas’ ongoing commitment to K9s for Warriors, more veterans like Thomas are finding their way back from the darkness of PTSD and trauma to renewed hope and strength. From service dog partnerships to comprehensive support programs, we’re helping K9s for Warriors in their efforts to empower warriors to rebuild their lives.

(Left to right) Veteran Thomas’ son, Kyle, Thomas and his service dog, Titan.

Just five miles from our Miami Training Center, Liberty City Optimist Club is creating safe spaces and bright futures for thousands of at-risk youth. “Atlas’ support means everything to our kids,” said Pierre Rutledge from Liberty City Optimist Club. “It’s more than just programs and meals – it’s hope in action.”

That hope was on full display when the club’s youth dance team lit up the event, dazzling attendees with their energy and talent. Their performance wasn’t just entertainment – it was a vibrant reminder of the possibilities we’re helping unlock in our community.

The Liberty City Optimist youth dance team puts on a special performance.

The magic happens thanks to our incredible Atlas family – colleagues, customers and vendors who show up year after year with open hearts. Special shoutout to our amazing volunteers.** They turned this year’s tournament into an unforgettable experience that raised the bar even higher.

The Atlas Annual Golf Charity Tournament is more than charitable contributions. It’s about investments in hope, healing and brighter tomorrows.