Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental Aircraft Association programming.
“What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. “This tremendous outpouring of support under this year’s theme of ‘Aerial America’ in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation.”
Among the special guests during the evening were the Royal Air Force Red Arrows demonstration team, which made its inaugural appearance at AirVenture in 2026; EAA Young Eagles program chairman Jimmy Graham, pilot a former NFL All-Pro tight end, and 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer, who earlier that week flew with Graham to commemorate 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the program’s history; plus notable leaders from the aviation community.
Among some of the highlights of the gala were:
The Red Arrows auctioning a signed team photo for $25,000, with a second one donated for an equal amount;
A Goodyear Blimp experience;
Bidding on a restored Piper PA-12 aircraft;
Three gifts of $100,000 each, along with matching donation by one benefactor of all individual gifts of up to $2,500;
An NFL experience in Paris, France, on October 25 auctioned, featuring the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
EAA programs that will benefit from The Gathering proceeds include Young Eagles, which introduces flight to young people free of charge; EAA’s online AeroEducate aviation education portal; and the Pilot Proficiency Center that enables current and prospective pilots to build skills year-round at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
