VENICE, FL: Caldwell Trust Company and Agape Flights teamed up in November to bring a taste of home to missionaries who spend Thanksgiving Day—and every other day—working in Haiti, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Helping with Agape’s Missionary Thanksgiving Program was an easy decision for Caldwell and its staff. Allen T. Speer, CEO of Agape Flights, had told R. G. “Kelly” Caldwell Jr, CEO/president of Caldwell Trust Company, that Agape planned to fly traditional Thanksgiving dinners to the missionaries living abroad. “Let’s fly the missionaries a Thanksgiving treat,” Speer said. Agape had planes, pilots and volunteers to prepare the dinner packages but they needed funds to pay for the meals, which would cost $80 each. Upon learning of the plight, Caldwell’s staff members made personal donations and Caldwell Trust Company matched them, providing 36 dinners for those living away from the comforts of home, family and friends.

Caldwell and Agape have previously joined in other philanthropic missions. “We’re happy that we could help Agape, our client and friend,” Kelly Caldwell said. “We’re deeply committed to the wellbeing of our clients and community throughout the year, and never more than during the holiday.”

Agape Flights, a not-for-profit charitable organization, was founded in 1980 to transport supplies to its affiliated missionaries, touching the lives of more than 1.5 million people. The missionaries provide clean water, community health, education, evangelism, medical services, microenterprise, orphan care and vocational training. Founders Keith and Clara Starkey named their organization “Agape,” the Greek word for unconditional love, to describe their mission and ministry.

Caldwell Trust Company, an independent trust company with offices in Venice and Sarasota, is known for its family-oriented culture and strong ethic of corporate citizenship. The business has donated over $1 million to local organizations that focus on youth and social causes. In keeping with the company’s philosophy of giving back, employees also donate their time to serve on boards and committees of chosen area charities, which now number over three dozen. Established in 1993, Caldwell offers a full range of fiduciary services to individuals including services as trustee, custodian, investment adviser, financial manager and personal representative. Additionally, Caldwell manages 401(k) and 403(b) qualified retirement plans for employers.