EAA Aviation Foundation, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, raised a record $2.85 million during The Gathering philanthropic event on July 23, with proceeds supporting aviation education, pilot development, and preservation programs. Held during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week, the annual event brought approximately 1,000 guests to the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening dedicated to supporting programs operated by the Experimental Aircraft Association. The 2026 event, themed “Aerial America” in recognition of America 250, featured several prominent guests from the aviation community, including the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, which made their first appearance at AirVenture this year.
EAA Young Eagles Chairman Jimmy Graham, a pilot and former NFL All-Pro tight end, also attended. Earlier during AirVenture, Graham flew 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer to mark the Young Eagles program reaching 2.5 million young people flown since its launch. “What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage,” said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. “This tremendous outpouring of support under this year’s theme of ‘Aerial America’ in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation.”
The evening included a number of auctions and fundraising activities. The Red Arrows auctioned a team photograph signed by members of the display team for $25,000, with a second signed photograph donated to raise the same amount. Other auction items included a Goodyear Blimp experience, a restored Piper PA-12, and an NFL experience in Paris featuring the Oct. 25 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. The event also included three separate $100,000 gifts, as well as a matching contribution from one donor covering individual gifts of up to $2,500.
Funds raised through The Gathering will support several EAA programs. Young Eagles provides free introductory flights to young people, while the online AeroEducate platform offers aviation education resources. Proceeds will also benefit the Pilot Proficiency Center at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, where pilots and prospective pilots can develop and maintain their skills throughout the year. The $2.85 million total represents a record amount raised at the annual event. For more information and to support the EAA, click on this link: www.eaa.org/eaa.
