Soaring Together Since 2006: Delta Air Lines and Rally’s Enduring Partnership

Sometimes, the right people come into your life at just the right moment. That’s how the story begins between Delta Air Lines and Rally.

In 2006, a powerful partnership took flight — one rooted in compassion and purpose.

Delta Pilot and First Officer Larry Deist was searching for a childhood cancer charity to benefit the Delta Pilots Charitable Fund Golf Tournament — an event that brought together pilots from airlines across the country. When he found Rally, he found more than a cause — he found a mission that resonated deeply.

The tournament was a tremendous success — not just in dollars raised, but in the deep meaning it carried.

Afterward, First Officer Deist said he wanted to make sure Rally was introduced to Ed Bastian, then President of Delta Air Lines. And First Officer Deist made that happen.

What began as a connection through one man’s passion became a relationship that would grow, deepen and soar for nearly two decades.

In 2009, Delta became one of the corporate sponsors of Rally’s Benefit Bash. The following year, in 2010, Delta became the title sponsor of the Bash — a role they’ve proudly held ever since.

But Delta’s support didn’t stop at the corporate level. It became personal.

Ed Bastian, who was inspired by the courage of Rally Kids, took on something he had never done before: he ran the New York City Marathon as a Rally Athlete. Later, as CEO, he ran it again — this time in honor of Rally Kid Grace, who inspired him deeply with her battle against osteosarcoma.

In 2022, Ed took his commitment even further and became the inaugural Corporate Chairman of the Bash. Since then, Delta’s top-level executives have continued that legacy, serving as Corporate Chairs — leading with heart and helping Rally raise millions for childhood cancer research.

This partnership isn’t defined by logos or sponsorship tiers. It’s defined by people. Over the years, Delta employees and their families have faced childhood cancer, and together, we’ve walked through diagnosis, treatment, relapse and, even at times, unimaginable loss. We’ve rallied around each other — not as companies and individuals, but as a united community with a shared heart.

Delta’s support has helped fund cutting-edge research, launch clinical trials, and bring hope to families across the country. And their unwavering commitment continues to help us push forward — faster, farther, together.

This is more than a partnership. It’s a shared journey. A testament to what’s possible when compassion leads, and commitment endures.

This is the power of people.
This is the power of purpose.
This is Rally.