EAA Gathering of Eagles Fundraiser Generates Record $2.88 Million in Contributions

During AirVenture, Ford met with EAA Young Eagles volunteers, recognizing individuals who had provided extraordinary service to the program in the past year. In these discussions, he underscored the grassroots volunteers' contributions, observing that their collective donation of time, talents, aircraft usage, and fuel surpasses the contribution of any other single donor.

The success of this year's Gathering of Eagles fundraising effort will also help to advance EAA's development of more educational and experiential activities for young people motivated to pursue an interest or career in aviation. ConocoPhillips and Embry-Riddle University have partnered with EAA in this effort.

Cessna Aircraft Company served as hosting sponsor of the Gathering for the fourth consecutive year, and has pledged to host next year's event.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org>.