By Henry Holden
A highlight of the Gathering of Eagles was when the aviation legends in attendance gathered onstage with their Young Eagles escorts.
While AirVenture is all about airplanes, it’s also about the young people. The 2006 Gathering of Eagles dinner held on the evening of Thursday, July 27, drew more than 1,000 people, including the legends in the aviation community. The event is part of the Partner in Flight relationship with EAA, supporting education, historic preservation and the inspirational endeavors that prepare young people of all backgrounds to become the pilots, engineers, astronauts and aviation leaders of tomorrow.
The Gathering of Eagles, including a silent and live auction, raised more than $1.4 million. The sum is twice the amount raised in 2005.
Among the exciting items auctioned was a Harley Davidson motorcycle with a custom paint job, which brought in $30,000. Another item was a $22,000 Napa Valley experience, including winery tours, a fabulous array of wines provided by winery owners, flight experiences with Sean Tucker, and more.
Civilian astronaut Mike Melvill took M&M candies into space and saved one blue one. He framed it, provided a certificate of authenticity and it sold for $4,750. Melville also donated a laminated copy of his flight check list (the original was too torn up from the constant handling), which brought in $6,500.
Experimental Aircraft Association founder Paul Poberezny and wife Audrey greet guests before dinner.
The high point of the auction was the much anticipated arrival of a unique automobile, the 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H. To mark the 40th anniversary of the Shelby GT350H Ford Mustang, Ford Motor Company, Shelby Automobiles and The Hertz Corporation are creating 500 performance-modified Shelby GT-H Mustangs. All of those cars will be available to rent through the Hertz Fun Collection—except one that was auctioned off at the gala. It entered dramatically through the hangar doors between a pair of roaring P-51 Mustangs, carrying designer Carroll Shelby in the passenger seat. To raise the excitement and the value of the car, a ride in the Eclipse and Carroll Shelby’s big black Stetson hat was thrown in. The package brought $250,000. Edsel B. Ford II and Shelby presented the automobile, which was donated by the Ford Motor Company, to Rich and Irene Martin of Virginia.
The final item auctioned was a day with Harrison Ford, chairman of the Young Eagles Program, at a film set. Ford assured everyone with a smile that he would be working this year. The high bid was another $45,000.
“EAA will apply the funds that we raised . and that we continue to raise throughout the year toward our vision of expanding and enhancing the EAA Young Eagles first-flight program and follow-up educational and engagement activities designed to keep young people involved in aviation,” said EAA President Tom Poberezny. “These programs are cultivating the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, pilots, aeronautical engineers, air-space scientists and innovators.”
Charismatic aerobatic performer Sean Tucker bends the ear of Academy Award winner Cliff Robertson.
“The dramatic entrance of our ‘legends and our legacy’ of aviation was an inspirational part of the evening,” said Elissa Lines. “Any one of these aspiring young dreamers may be among the innovators, dreamers and aviation pioneers of tomorrow.”
The evening’s presentations highlighted the contributions of EAA member pilots and ground support personnel. Cessna presented the event with CEO Jack Pelton serving as chairperson. Actor and Young Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford made several presentations. Both Pelton and Ford will be back in their respective positions again next year.
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- National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinees Tex Hill and Bob Hoover share a laugh.
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- Carroll and Cleo Shelby head into the main reception.
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- Barron Hilton (center) shared a table with friends including David Tallichet (left) and John Myers.
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- Jack Roush arrives at the dinner.
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- Clay Lacy (left) and Joe Clark catch up with “Skychick” Ramona Cox.
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- One auction item was a $22,000 Napa Valley trip with a tour a winery and flight with Sean Tucker (far right). During the auction, Tucker shared the stage with (L to R) “Flyboys” star David Ellison, Doreen Hillard, daughter Tara Tucker and son Eric Tucker.
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- Young Eagles Founding Chairman Cliff Robertson received many congratulations throughout the evening for his recent induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
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- Young Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford responds to a guest as YE Executive Director Steve Buss looks on.
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- Dick Rutan enters with his escort.
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- There were three generations of Pobereznys at the event. In her summer intern role, Leslie Poberezny, Tom and Sharon Poberezny’s daughter, is currently an assistant in the development department.
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- Young Eagles Chairman Emeritus Gen. Chuck Yeager attended the event with his wife Victoria.
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- Red Baron team member Travis Aukes enters with his escort.
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- A cheerful Young Eagle escorts Red Baron Pizza Squadron member Bryan Regan.
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- L to R: 2006 Gathering of Eagles Chairman Jack Pelton, Young Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford and EAA President Tom Poberezny celebrate the news that this year’s benefit auction raised more than 1.4 million dollars.
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- Auctioneers Sharon and Dick Friel kept the evening lively.
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- Patty Wagstaff pauses with her escort before joining other aviation legends on the stage.
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- Above: Peter Diamandis looks on as Burt Rutan greets Granger Whitelaw, CEO of the Rocket Racing League.
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- Edsel Ford II, Carroll Shelby and Harrison Ford congratulate Rich and Irene Martin, the winners of a 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H.
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- A Young Eagle solemnly escorts Red Baron pilot Jayson Scott Wilson to the stage.
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- L to R: Carroll Shelby, Edsel Ford, Jack Roush and Eclipse Aviation CEO Vern Raburn rally the crowd to bid on an auction item that included a 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H and a ride in the Eclipse 500.
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- Red Baron pilot Matt Losacker heads toward the stage with his escort.
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- Tom and Sharon Poberezny visit with Nicolas Pierce (center) at a reception before the dinner.
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- A framed blue M&M Mike Melvill took into space sold for $4,750. He also donated a laminated copy of his flight check list, which brought in $6,500.
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- Above: The high point of the auction was the arrival of a 2006 Ford Shelby GT-H. Carroll Shelby entered dramatically between a pair of Mustangs.
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- Airport Journals Editor Di Freeze discusses his latest flying adventures with Barron Hilton.
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- Burt Rutan takes advantage of the chocolate fountain.
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- L to R: EAA committee member George “Spike” Beitzel, New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame Director Steve Rietof, Skip Beitzel and attorney Mark Shehan enjoy the Gathering of Eagles dinner.
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- Eric Tucker and David Ellison (right) look on as Hartzell Propeller President Jim Brown (left) has a lively discussion with Sean Tucker.
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- Dick Rutan enjoys conversation with FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.
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- Burt Rutan and a Young Eagle chat companionably.
