April marked a new era for Wings of Hope’s annual spring fundraiser. For the first time ever, we held it in the Wings of Hope hangar — the perfect venue to showcase our mission and immerse our supporters in our life-changing work. “This year’s Sky High Soirée was truly unforgettable,” said Wings of Hope’s Director of Development and Communications Brittni Snidle. “By bringing our guests into the Wings of Hope hangar, we gave them an up-close experience of our mission — to change and save lives through the power of aviation. Seeing the planes in person, talking with our pilots and medics, hearing directly from patients, and capturing sunset moments with our aircraft created a powerful connection to the impact they help make possible.”
Through the support of sponsors, led by presenting sponsor Fabick Cat, ticket sales, and a live auction, the event raised mission-critical funds for Wings of Hope’s work around the world, our SOAR into STEM program for students, and our Medical Relief & Air Transport (MAT) program in the U.S.
In 2024, our volunteer MAT pilots flew 114 missions in three aircraft, covering 83,204 miles and using over $101,000 in fuel — just one of the many expenses the fundraiser helped to offset.
MAT pilots Dick Horowitz and Phil Koch served as the evening’s emcees — their sense of humor only matched by their long-serving dedication to Wings of Hope.
While guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks among aircraft in the hangar, they were treated to exhibits showcasing our SOAR into STEM program for youth and an inspiring presentation by former MAT patient Claire Biangardi, who was joined onstage by her mother, Marianne. Claire was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder as a toddler and flown by Wings of Hope to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for a series of treatments. Now 14, she is a healthy teenager who serves as an ambassador for Wings of Hope, Make-a-Wish® Missouri & Kansas, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
In her remarks, Claire said Wings of Hope “gave our family an incredible gift, the gift of hope.”
Her emotional story moved many in the room to raise their paddles and donate to Wings of Hope. Claire also reconnected with the pilots who flew her to Cincinnati more than a decade ago.
With our hangar doors open to a beautiful spring sky, Mother Nature inspired too. “Watching the planes glow under the evening sky while celebrating the generosity of our supporters was nothing short of magical,” said Brittni. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”
