General Aviation on a Mission: Wings of Hope Hosts Sky High Soiree Fundraising Event at St. Louis World Headquarters

By Carmelo Turdo

Wings of Hope hosted their Sky High Soiree Saturday evening in their World Headquarters hangar at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. The event was a re-imagination of the annual Wings of Hope Gala, the principal fundraiser for the Medical Relief and Air Transport (MAT) program that flies patients and their family members to specialty medical care facilities in 26 states within an 800-mile radius to and from St. Louis. Last year, MAT volunteer crews flew 114 missions in three aircraft, covering 83,204 miles and using over $101,000 in fuel. This is no small undertaking, with significant investments in aircraft maintenance and travel expenses adding to the fuel costs for this vital service. This annual fundraiser, along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year, are essential to the success of the MAT program.

Guests gathered at Wings of Hope by 6:00 P.M., in time for the "arrival" of the evening's emcees, MAT pilots Dick Horowitz and Phil Koch. They flew from the big screen to the hangar doors, arriving right on time with their sense of humor and dedication to the Wings of Hope MAT program. Wings of Hope Board Chairman David Agee joined them on stage for opening remarks.

Guests enjoyed great food and fellowship throughout the evening. Wings of Hope provided exhibits of their SOAR Into STEM program and aircraft in the hangar. Here we feature attendees from the Wings of Hope Board, staff and volunteers along with representatives from the Boeing Company. A live auction added to the fun!

The highlight of the evening was the testimony of Claire Biangardi, now 14 years old, and her mother, Marianne. Claire was diagnosed with HLH, a rare immune disorder, around the age of two and was flown by Wings of Hope to Cincinnati for a series of treatments. Her family and community rallied around her, and she now lives the healthy life of a teenager. Claire is an ambassador for various organizations, including Wings of Hope, Make a Wish MO/KS and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

 

The Aero Experience thanks Wings of Hope for "Changing and Saving Lives Through the Power of Aviation" here in the Midwest with the MAT program and around the world through their Global Programs. You can support Wings of Hope through your individual and corporate sponsorships, by donating your aircraft, participating in the aircraft raffle or by volunteering your time and talent. Contact Wings of Hope today for details.