Television
Upcoming Reality Show to Highlight Courageous Pilots in Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
2025-03-18

A new reality television series set to film this summer in Wilmington will focus on the remarkable efforts of private pilots who contributed to relief missions following Hurricane Helene. Titled "Air Angels: Flight Helene," the show aims to celebrate individuals who undertook perilous flights into severely affected regions of Western North Carolina, delivering essential supplies and aid. Produced by Just Do Good Entertainment, the series builds upon the success of their previous project, "Divine Renovation," which was filmed in Wilmington in 2022. Hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Gilbert Baez, the program promises an insightful perspective on the hurricane's aftermath and its unusual path. Additionally, a live event celebrating these heroes is planned for this summer, with potential celebrity appearances.

This summer, Wilmington becomes the backdrop for a powerful narrative about courage and compassion. The series "Air Angels: Flight Helene" intends to showcase the extraordinary actions of private pilots who ventured into areas devastated by Hurricane Helene last September. These individuals risked their lives to deliver vital items such as food, medicine, and even rescue stranded people and animals. Producer Monty Hobbs from Just Do Good Entertainment explains that the inspiration behind filming in Wilmington stems from the triumph of their earlier production, "Divine Renovation." That home improvement show, hosted by actor Erik Estrada, highlighted community-focused renovations and garnered significant acclaim.

Gilbert Baez, the esteemed host of "Air Angels: Flight Helene," brings his journalistic expertise and personal insights to the forefront. With a career spanning over seventeen years at WRAL Fayetteville bureau, Baez offers viewers not only a meteorological understanding of the storm but also an emotional connection to its catastrophic impact. His involvement ensures that the series captures both the scientific and human dimensions of Hurricane Helene. Furthermore, Jay Batchler, alongside Hobbs and fellow producer Valerie Smaldone, contributes his editorial prowess to ensure the stories are compellingly told.

Beyond entertainment, "Air Angels" seeks to inspire change through acts of kindness. Just Do Good Entertainment, founded by Hobbs and Smaldone, emphasizes creating content that uplifts communities and encourages positive action. Their previous ventures include faith-based films like "The Thursday Night Club" featuring Gloria Gaynor, and "Divine Renovation," which provided necessary home repairs to those in need. Available across various platforms, these projects reflect a commitment to making a difference.

This summer's live event honoring the pilots underscores the importance of recognizing unsung heroes. By involving well-known North Carolinians in the series, "Air Angels: Flight Helene" hopes to amplify its message of resilience and solidarity. As cameras roll in Wilmington, the world will witness tales of bravery and humanity intertwined with the challenges faced during Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. This series stands as a testament to the power of individual action in times of crisis.

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