Taste of Hope Event Raises Funds for International Humanitarian Programs

By Carmelo Turdo

The Wings of Hope Young Ambassadors held the 5th Annual Taste of Hope fundraiser at their St. Louis World Headquarters on Saturday, September 25. The event supports the three international humanitarian programs chosen by the Ambassadors this year: 

Haiti: Haitian Christian Outreach Air Ambulance  

Zambia: FlySpec Reconstructive Surgery Services 

Ecuador: Alas de Socorro Medevac Flights for Indigenous Communities in the Amazon

With one very reasonable ticket price, guests at Taste of Hope sample delicious food from local restaurants and participate in optional activities such as the silent auction and 50/50 raffle that also benefit the above programs. Music by Carlos Suarez (right) kept the atmosphere festive, and the mild weather allowed the expansion of the seating to the apron outside of the hangar. Here the Young Ambassadors and volunteers paused from their work just long enough for a photo opportunity:

The Young Ambassadors program "supports international programs of Wings of Hope through social, educational and fundraising events." Each year, the Young Ambassadors interact with the community to raise awareness of the mission of Wings of Hope and host three major fundraising events to benefit programs that directly change and save lives through aviation. 

Brian McCamley, Young Ambassadors President (below), thanked the guests, volunteers, sponsors and all who contributed to making Taste of Hope possible. Event Chairman and Young Ambassadors VP of Fundraising, Brad Rafferty, introduced the programs in Haiti, Zambia and Ecuador that are supported by the proceeds from this event. Here we also feature several exhibits outside of the Wings of Hope hanger, including Soar Into STEM, Young Ambassadors, Wings of Hope Programs and Go! International of East St. Louis. Wings of Hope Medical Relief and Air Transport aircraft and a flag display provided a great backdrop for a photo opportunity.

The food sample selection was impressive again this year thanks to the generous participation of these local Restaurants, breweries and presenting sponsors Dierbergs and Moneta Group Investment Advisors. Also, special thanks to F3 Nation.

Restaurants:                                                   

Balkan Treat Box                El Burro Loco                     The Donut Stop               

Jenny's Diner                      Mission Taco                      Nothing Bundt Cakes    

One Dish Wonders             Rozanna                             Salt + Smoke            

Smoothie King                    Starbucks                           STL BLT                           

Thai 202                             Vito's In the Valley              Charlie Gitto's                                                 

Drinks:

Anheuser-Busch                                  Alpha Brewing Company

2nd Shift Brewing Company               SwitchGrass Spirits

In the hangar, the guests gathered to bid on silent auction items and gather their food samples before going outside to enjoy the mild, early fall afternoon weather. The generosity of the community continued throughout the afternoon as 50/50 raffle tickets were bought not only by the arm length, but by the wing span! The winner was very happy with the results!

Taste of Hope was treated to a special performance from Dances of India, the St. Louis-based classical Indian dance company. Founded in 1976, Dances of India continues to host public events and teach traditional Indian dance. Students dedicate 7-10 years of training and demonstrate their talent in multiple full-length  programs prior to graduation. Here we present a sample of the main performance and a basic dance lesson with members of the audience.

 

Tiffany Nelson, Director of Programs and Evaluation, thanks all those involved in making the 2021 Taste of Hope the most successful ever, raising over $41,000 to fund international humanitarian programs. "It was a truly beautiful event because we had our community back at Wings of Hope. It was magical to see the hangar and ramp filled with supporters of our mission from local vendors, pilots, guests and volunteers. Everyone came together to save and change lives. We are deeply grateful for the support."

Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Wings of Hope has the vision of "Changing and saving lives through the power of aviation." Wings of Hope has a rich history of using aircraft to provide humanitarian aid to communities in remote places where it is most needed. In 1959, various Catholic ministries started providing humanitarian air services in the Turkana region of Kenya. Not unlike Charles Lindbergh's preparations for the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Bishop Joseph Houlihan of Eldoret, Kenya approached St. Louis businessmen Bill Edwards, Joe Fabick, Paul Rodgers and George Haddaway about his need for a new aircraft. They then provided the seed money for the first Cessna U206 used by the newly-minted United Missionary Air Training and Transport. As news of this first successful aircraft service spread, more aircraft were needed. Wings of Hope incorporated in 1967, and has since provided humanitarian and development services around the world through an inter-faith approach to serving the needs of all mankind. Today, Wings of Hope continues to emphasize aviation as the means to achieve their mission and partners with local organizations in the countries served. A complete list of areas served can be found on the Global Programs web page. 

The Aero Experience is proud to support the mission of Wings of Hope and provide this extended coverage of the 2021 Taste of Hope event.