August 2025

Greetings!

As summer winds down, our excitement is soaring for the upcoming Fly Days in Kansas City, Denver, and Tulsa! We extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible local Fly Day committees in each of these cities—your dedication, long hours, and tireless efforts make it possible for our VIPs to experience the joy of flight.

Looking ahead, North Texas Giving Day on September 18, 2025 will be a pivotal moment for Challenge Air. This annual day of giving helps fuel our mission to build confidence and self-esteem in children and youth with special needs through the gift of flight. Your participation—whether through donations, sharing our mission with friends, or cheering us on—makes all the difference.

Thank you for being the magic that lifts our VIPs into the skies. Together, we are making dreams take flight.

All the best,

April Culver

CEO/ Executive Director

Save the Date: North Texas Giving Day –

Thursday, September 18, 2025!

Challenge Air is proud to be part of North Texas Giving Day, the nation’s largest community-wide giving event led by Communities Foundation of Texas. This incredible day of giving is your chance to support our mission of inspiring children with special needs through the gift of flight. ✈️💙

Your Challenge Air community needs you now more than ever—and this is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to help.

Mark your calendar—North Texas Giving Day is coming!

Early giving starts September 1, 2025, so you don’t have to wait to make an impact. Then on September 18th, join us in lifting up lives with every donation. Together, we can help more co-pilots soar! 

Upcoming Fall Fly Day Events

Pilots, families, and volunteers, get ready to take off for incredible days filled with fun, friendship, and flight. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement—sign up now and join us for an unforgettable experience!

From Fear to Flying:

A Co-Pilot’s Dream Takes Flight

Sometimes the biggest victories happen miles above the ground. In this heartwarming video, one of our pilots shares the story of a Co-Pilot who almost let a few bumps keep him on the runway. But with courage and encouragement, he faced his fears, soared through the skies, and at the end… well, you’ll want to hear his words for yourself. 💙 Watch now!

Meet Our Two New Faces on the

Board of Trustees!

Lindsay “LC” Catalano brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic achievement, and heartfelt advocacy to her role as a trustee. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology, she has built a career grounded in compassion, integrity, and service to vulnerable populations.

Her passion for aviation adds a dynamic layer to her perspective, symbolizing both her drive and her vision for lifting others up. As a longtime volunteer with Challenge Air, LC was deeply inspired by a Kansas City pilot who believed in her, took her under his wing (no pun intended), and encouraged her to become more involved. His mentorship and friendship not only deepened her love for aviation but also ignited a lasting dedication to service and inclusion.

"I’m inspired by the spirit of encouragement and compassion I’ve experienced through Challenge Air. With the mentorship I received and my passion for aviation and service, I hope to bring the same dedication and purpose to my role as a trustee—helping lift others up and contribute meaningfully to this incredible mission."

Jeff Zimmerman

Having earned his private pilot license in 1991, he quickly developed a deep passion for all things aviation. His career soon took him into the corporate jet sector, where he flew general aviation aircraft across the country, managed Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) from Texas to California and back, and even spent several years working on the fuel supply side of the industry.



Reflecting on his journey, he shares,

"This industry has given me so many opportunities to do things others have only dreamed of. It’s also taught me the importance of slowing down and finding ways to give back."

His experience managing an FBO that hosted a Challenge Air Fly Day opened his eyes to the incredible impact the organization has. He realized he could help give children with special needs the chance to achieve something many only dream about. “That is the magic of Challenge Air and why I’m excited to be a part of this organization.”

What a Night with Heffner Homes

Charity Bingo!

We’re so grateful for this amazing support!



A huge thank you to everyone who came out for Heffner Homes Charity Bingo in Kansas City this weekend. Because of YOU, $740 was raised to help us continue empowering kids with special needs through the gift of flight.

We couldn’t do this without you!