The Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship has announced\nits first annual Black-tie Fundraising Gala to be held at the CR Smith Museum\non October 15, 2022, at 6 pm. There will be VIP sponsor tables as well as\ntables for individual donors. The evening will consist of a cocktail hour with\nhors d\u2019oeuvres, and a silent auction followed by appetizers and dinner,\ndessert, and a presentation. The night will end with a live auction and door\nprizes for attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in November 2021, the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer\nScholarship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in honor of Ashton\nJohnson and his dream of becoming a pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CloudDancer scholarship\u2019s mission is to provide flight training scholarships to military veterans interested in a post-military aviation career by bridging the gap in the GI Bill benefits. The GI Bill offers benefits that begin at the instrument rating, and this scholarship will provide funds for obtaining a private pilot certificate. Veterans have unique skill sets that make them ideal candidates for an aviation career. The scholarship was created in honor of Ashton Johnson (Army SPC) who passed away at 28 years old in October 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ashton\u2019s father, Joseph Johnson, (ATP, DPE, CFI, II, MEI)\nsaid, \u201cHopefully, this foundation can help to bridge the gap for veterans\nbetween the GI Bill and the private pilot certificate.\u201d Captain Brian Schiff,\nNAFI Board Member, added \u201cI sincerely hope that this endeavor shall help many\nveterans and ensure the memory of a fantastic person who was called to be with\nGod way too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For information on the Gala, contact the event\ncoordinator Alexandra Stevens at (847) 468-4111. Tickets can be purchased here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n