I reckon that if for just one day, all UAL captains made an announcement that they were doing a collection during the flight, you'd rack up enough for the operation and for a nice recuperative break to boot.
I know of some crewmembers who have 'pet' charities & collect for it on their flights. When punters are told that it's for a guy who helped save many lives, the 'There but for the Grace... ' would kick in & it'd be rollin' in.
I'm sure Mr Tilton wouldn't mind, given who it's for.