Elite Aviation Hosts Wings and Wheels Event to Benefit A Seat at the Table Mentoring Program

By Carmelo Turdo

Elite Aviation hosted a Wings and Wheels event Thursday evening to benefit A Seat at the Table, an organization that provides a mentoring program that assists young adults (18-25 years old) in their transition to independence. Wings and Wheels was held at Elite Aviation's facility at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport West Terminal apron and featured a variety of sponsor exhibits, exotic cars, aircraft and samples of the area's finest food and beverages. The main purpose of the event was to raise awareness and support for A Seat at the Table through the silent a live auctions featuring donated items of considerable value. By initial indications, Wings and Wheels was a great success!

A Seat at the Table was founded by Bob and Chrissy Stergos (right) in 2014 after their family began hosting young men in their own home, setting the example of how a healthy family environment can be a positive influence on those lacking such support during the critical transition to independent adulthood. Since then, A Seat at the Table has partnered with other area organizations to nominate and place eligible participants in a home or apartment environment where they can continue to be supported and mentored. The lives of many can be positively influenced through your support of the work of A Seat at the Table!

Many of the 400 expected guests began arriving shortly before the 5:30 P.M. opening time, and they had plenty to see and taste (see exhibitor section below) as they enjoyed the spectacular sunset and cool breeze as the evening progressed. John Tipton (left) welcomed everyone and made occasional remarks throughout the evening. The silent auction items from over twenty contributors are shown below on their display tables. 

 Several of the participating sponsors of the event spoke to the guests, including:

Master of Ceremonies Wally Wuelling 

A Seat at the Table Founders Bob and Chrissy Stergos

N2 Publishing Area Director Aaron Golchert

Mitchell Mandel of Rockit Career Consultation Services

The live auction items were very impressive, including:
Test Flight and Scenic Flights offered by Elite Aviation;
Tesla Weekend Experience 48-hour test drive;
Light Painting Photo Session from Higher Focus;
Byerly RV Weekend with a 2019 Winnebago Adventurer Motor Coach;
Italian Villa 8 Day/7 Night Stay for 8 people.

Proceeds from these auction items directly benefit the needs of A Seat at the Table.

The event was a great success in part due to the participation of the exhibitors and area supporters represented on site. An eclectic mix of food and beverage providers were joined by local product and service representatives in the main exhibitor area on the apron. Surrounding them was a layer of exotic cars and yet another layer of aircraft provided by local owners and new models provided by Textron Aviation. The Aero Experience was proud to support Elite Aviation and all who participated, and we hope you enjoy this pictorial survey of the 2019 Wings and Wheels.