By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The San Diego chapter of The Ninety-Nines, Incorporated, an international organization of women pilots, is hosting the “Golden Age Scholarship Fundraiser” at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park on October 16.
Tickets to the scholarship fundraiser include complimentary same-day admission to the museum. Guests will enjoy food, drink, and dancing among historical aircraft to live music by the local Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. An aviation-themed raffle and scavenger hunt within the museum will be offered to attendees.
The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, located at 2001 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park.
Long-time pilot and TEDx speaker Steve Craffey and Ninety-Nines member Sydney Blake are the evening’s MCs. The night will include guest speakers Daniella Cramp, senior vice president, and president, of Bioproduction Group at Thermo Fisher Specific and Ninety-Nines International President Robin Hadfield.
The theme of the event is the “Golden Age of Aviation,” a period between WWI and WWII when aviation saw the most rapid growth and significant technological advancements in history. During this time in 1929, The Ninety-Nines non-profit organization was founded by famous aviator Amelia Earhart, who became the first Ninety-Nines president. An exhibit about The Ninety-Nines is featured at the museum.
All proceeds will fund educational scholarships for female student pilots in the Southwest region.
In the words of Amelia Earhart, “Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off! But if you don’t have one, realize it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.”
It is in that spirit of unity and equality that the San Diego Ninety-Nines have progressed women in aviation since the chapter’s foundation in 1946. Though significant advancement has been made, today, women account for less than nine percent of pilots in the U.S., according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics. The number of female aviators is closer to six percent if considering only commercially licensed airline transport pilots.
For those who prefer to donate to the San Diego Ninety-Nines without attending the event, visit sandiego99s.com.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded on Nov. 2, 1929, by aviator Amelia Earhart and 98 other female pilots. Calling themselves “The Ninety-Nines,” the founders were some of the first female aviators in U.S. history. The Ninety-Nines organization has members in more than 40 countries. The San Diego Chapter is the largest chapter of The Ninety-Nines in the world, promoting the advancement of aviation through events, education, scholarships, and support for current and future female aviators. For more information, visit ninety-nines.org.
