Upcoming Programs:
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Kansas City, Missouri
September 10, 2011
Denver, Colorado
October 1, 2011
Dallas, Texas
October 29, 2011
ARE YOU A?:
Participant?
Volunteer?
Pilot?
Agency?
REGISTER NOW!
DID YOU KNOW?
"Fly Days" are always
offered at NO COST to all participating children & families. This is only possible through philanthropic gifts made by corporations, foundations and you. Please consider making a donation today to support the next
"Fly Day" event. Donations can be made online. We thank you in advance for your support.
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MISSION:
Challenge Air builds self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with specials needs, through the
experience of flight.
Since 1993, Challenge Air has enriched the lives of 30,000 children and youth with special needs through its unique aviation programs. Challenge Air's mission reflects the life-changing impact the flight experience has on children, families, donors, sponsors and communities as a whole.
With a network of nearly 3,500 volunteers, nationwide volunteers serve as pilots, ground crew, fundraisers, planning committee members and in numerous other capacities. As Challenge Air continues to grow and add more programs across the country, its mission will remain true....
To continue to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to special needs children and youth through the gift of flight.
Challenge Air
7363 Cedar Springs Road Dallas, Texas 75235
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Dear Friends of Challenge Air, August 2011
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Aurora, Oregon 2011
"Fly Day"
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On August 6, 2011, lives were changed in Aurora, Oregon. Aurora Aviation hosted our August Fly Day and a mother of one of our flyers came up to me and thanked me for allowing her son to fly again. She shared with me a story about his experience last year. The young man, we'll call him Bill, flew in Aurora last year for the first time and the following week the family went to the beach. When Bill went to use his walker on the beach, he struggled trying to move through the rock and sand. A relative tried to help Bill by lifting his walker and Bill told him to stop please. Bill said "I can fly an airplane, so I can walk on the beach". Bill's mom cried while reciting this story to me. Bill is in a wheelchair now, but continues to have a "can do" spirit that he acquired last year while flying. He couldn't wait to fly again this year!
I don't know if Rick Amber knew the impact his dream of Challenge
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Aurora, Oregon 2011 "Fly Day"
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Air would have on children with special needs, their families and the volunteers. But what a brilliant idea this dream has become. Years later the Board of Trustees, Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to change the lives of these amazing children. Special thanks to the event teams in Aurora, Kansas City, Denver and Dallas for the countless hours you have devoted to making the fall Challenge Air Fly Days a success.
Challenge Air is busy confirming next year's schedule. If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a Fly Day in your city, please contact the Challenge Air office today or download and fill out the fly day application.
I continue to feel blessed to serve Challenge Air for Kids & Friends. Please call or e-mail if you have stories to share, recommendations for improvements, ideas for the future or just want to talk.
In Appreciation,
April Culver, CEO
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| Fourth Annual Jan Collmer Golf Classic, September 19th! | |
 The Frontiers of Flight Museum proudly presents their 4th annual Jan Collmer Golf Classic. On Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:30 pm, golfers will come together at The Fazio Course of Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas to support the Frontiers of Flight Museum and Challenge Air.
 Registration will begin two hours before our shotgun start and there is a 32 team maximum, so plan to register early. You can reserve your team with Julie Barajas or fax or mail your registration form.
Frontiers of Flight Museum was founded in 1988 by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bill Cooper and Jan Collmer. The Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, focuses upon educating, inspiring & motivating the "next generation" in science, math and technology by utilizing aviation as a backdrop. Proceeds from The Collmer Classic will directly impact The Museum's science, math and technology & education programs.
Thank you Frontiers of Flight Museum!
Click here to download the brochure.
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| Helicopters Away! By: Riley, Age 8 | |
I couldn't wait to take off above the cities and parks and soar over tall mountains in the cool breeze. I was here with my Mom and Dad and we were heading to a cancer party place where we got to fly planes and helicopters. I was so excited.
Finally we found the line to fly helicopters. "When is it going to be our turn?" I asked my Mom. "I don't know, but it will come soon. She said. About a half-hour later we made it to the front of the line. "mom?" I asked. "Is this what you call soon?"
My heart was beating as fast as a cheetah running at full speed. At last our helicopter stood there waiting for us to step inside it's big, fat, red body. I tried to stay calm. AS soon as everyone was seated we took off soaring high into the bright blue sky and jammed up against the fiery heat of the burning sun.
We flew over cities and towns' wind rushing through my dark blonde hair. We were soaring above mountains and lakes. Now there were no sign of cities or owns, but then we started falling! We were flying dangerously through the heavy air right to our landing spot. I figured it was all part of the ride. I was so relieved. A second passed and we were exiting the lot. I still wish I could ride again.
I'll never forget the day I took my first ride in a helicopter soaring through the sky like a bird. It was one of the greatest days of my life!
(Riley is an 8-year girl recovering from Luekemia)
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| There's No Better Time Than Now.... |
If Challenge Air has ever given you  hope or brought a smile to the face of a child you love...there's no better way to say thank you than making a special gift to Challenge Air in their honor. Please consider Challenge Air in your annual giving. |
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Challenge Air Kids Participated in Night
of Superstars, June 25th!
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Superstar Amiracle....
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Ten Challenge Air participants along with several other Dallas-area youngsters had the opportunity to walk the red carpet and participate in the annual Night of Superstars event held Saturday, June 25th at the Winspear Opera House. The Night of Superstars is an event unlike any other for children with special needs. Created out of the love for the number of kids who feel they could never experience a life of stardom due to incurable diseases, birth defects or accidents, this was their night to be a superstar and shine.  | |
Challenge Air Executive Director April Culver; Board President Joe Montag and Programs Director Cheryl Maas attend Night of Superstars of which Challenge Air was
one of the beneficiaries of the event.
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"The kids are the real superstars," says Greg Johnson, founder and chairman of Night of Superstars. "They inspire those around them and impact thousands of others who hear their stories of overcoming great adversity. Celebrating these youngsters and their many contributions is long overdue. We want them to realize what superstars they truly are." Prior to the event girls were fitted for ball gowns and the boys were fitted for tuxedos, all donated by Dallas area businesses. News media were also on-site as the youngsters exited their limousines to walk the red carpet. "We are excited to partner with the Night of Superstars event," said Challenge Air's CEO April Culver. "These kids bless us in more ways than we can even count." |
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