EAA AIRVENTURE FUNDRAISER GENERATES RECORD $2.75 MILLION FOR AVIATION EDUCATION INITIATIVES
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (August 7, 2019) — Aviation education initiatives received a big boost as more than $2.75 million dollars resulted from the EAA Aviation Foundation’s “The Gathering” held July 25, during EAA AirVenture 2019.
More than 1,000 people from throughout the aviation and aerospace communities attended the event to support EAA’s programs in aviation education, outreach and advocacy. Hundreds of “Fuel the Future” donations coupled with 130 lots being auctioned, resulted in record numbers for both the amount of people giving and participating in the auction, as well as dollars raised.
The auction’s featured item was the one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang built by Ford/Roush Performance, modeled after the iconic P-51 Mustang “Old Crow” flown by World War II ace, Bud Anderson. The car sold for $400,000 to NASCAR owner Jack Roush, a close friend of Anderson.
“Seeing the record breaking participation, donations and support at The Gathering shows just how much our community values the role that EAA plays in keeping aviation strong,” said Ken Strmiska, the EAA Aviation Foundation’s vice president of philanthropy & donor stewardship. “We want to thank every EAA member out there who continues to support EAA’s community and mission to grow participation in aviation.”
Special recognition was given during the event to Barron Hilton, Hal Shevers and John Vette for their longtime contributions to EAA’s success in building The Spirit of Aviation.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.
