Aviation, Hollywood And Industry Notables Team Together For
Youth
Actors Harrison Ford and Cliff Robertson were among aviation
enthusiasts and industry leaders who helped make the Experimental
Aircraft Association's Gathering of Eagles fundraiser July 30 a
great success. The event's proceeds of $1.9 million will benefit
EAA's inspirational and educational programs that introduce young
people to aviation, emphasize math and science, and strengthen the
future of aviation.
The gala's theme, "Attitude is Everything," reflected the
camaraderie and enthusiasm of the 1,100 attendees at this sold-out
event, held during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Each year, this
unique charitable event brings together leaders of the aviation
industry who set aside competitive interests to collaborate on
opening the doors to the future for tomorrow's aviation leaders,
engineers, innovators, and pioneers. Also joining this group of
corporate leaders are aviation enthusiasts and Hollywood
celebrities who share a deep passion for flight.
Three auctions were part of the fundraiser: silent, live and
"presidential choice." They included a winning $250,000 bid for a
custom-made AV-X10 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle,
designed specifically as a Ford Motor Company donation to support
EAA's Young Eagles program, was named the "Dearborn Doll" in
tribute to the incredible work of top Ford engineers and designers
who crafted the car in honor of WWII aircraft. Automotive
personalities Jack Roush and Carroll Shelby were in attendance to
congratulate the car collector, Tom Gonzales of Ft. Lauderdale, FL,
on his top bid.
In addition, the shoes and jacket worn by US Airways Flight 1549
First Officer Jeff Skiles the day he helped safely land the
airliner on the Hudson River were a hot ticket item. The items drew
in a generous $38,000 bid, which was promptly matched by Airbus to
double the total. Lunch with Harrison Ford and aviation great Bob
Hoover, combined with a flight with airshow great Sean Tucker,
brought cheers from the crowd and attracted a bid of $50,000. Other
donated auction items included unique trips, flight experiences, a
guitar fashioned from pieces of the famed Red Tail aircraft of the
Tuskegee airmen, an artistically mounted jet fan-blade from General
Electric engine, Airbus simulator time, plus artwork, autographed
material and an array of aviation items.
Actor Harrison Ford
In addition to auction items, attendees had the opportunity to
match a challenge gift of $100,000 to "Light the Fire" of
imagination in the hearts and minds of our youth. The
challenge triggered more than $300,000 in donations, as individuals
and companies pledged to support EAA programs and experiences that
annually reach more than 70,000 young people throughout the nation.
EAA depends on the generosity of attendees to make youths' aviation
dreams come true. Aviation becomes a tool that promotes learning,
motivates achievement, builds personal responsibility, and teaches
young people that, in all things, their own attitude and commitment
to hard work and charting their course will determine their ability
to achieve their goals.
Among the event's other notable attendees were Bud Anderson, a
WWII triple ace; Wil Shriner, famed comedian; Bob Hoover, former
air show pilot and US Air Force test pilot; Aaron Tippin, country
music artist; and Prince Sultan bin Salman, a member of the Saudi
royal family, all of whom helped build the significance and the
impact of the night.
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