October 2025

Greetings!

As the leaves turn and fall settles in, we’re reflecting with gratitude on an incredible year of flight at Challenge Air for Kids & Friends—and it’s all thanks to you! 

This year, we hosted Fly Days in nine cities, giving 615 VIP co-pilots the chance to experience the thrill of flight. With the help of 115 volunteer pilots and more than 800 volunteers, we saw countless smiles, high-fives, and moments of pure joy.

Because of your generosity and support, we’re already dreaming bigger for 2026. Our goal is to expand to 12 cities and fly over 1,000 VIPs—and we know we can get there with friends like you by our side.

Special thanks to all our pilots, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who make every mission possible. You truly are the wind beneath our wings.

Thank you again for believing in what we do—and more importantly, in who we serve.

For the Kids,

April Culver

CEO/ Executive Director

Fly Day Recaps from Denver & Tulsa

Relive the magic! Head over to our Challenge Air Flickr account to check out photos from recent Fly Days — including Tulsa, Denver, and more. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 Fly Day Events

The Challenge Air team is already hard at work planning next year’s Fly Day season — and we can’t wait to bring even more life-changing flight experiences to kids with special needs and their families! ✨

We’re expanding our reach in 2026 with a new city and returning favorites, all with the same mission at heart: to help kids discover that if you can fly an airplane, you can do anything. 💙

Stay tuned — registration for 2026 Fly Days will open soon! Keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on social media for announcements and event dates.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Volunteers — One Fly Day at a Time

This story comes from LC, a Challenge Air Board of Trustee member, who shared:

“I have to admit – the three [teen] boys I had were INCREDIBLE. They were there on their own accord – volunteering because they wanted to, not because they had to. And they’ll be back next year!”



Later that day, one of the boys’ moms sent a touching message:

“I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do… you and Jerry both. And thank you for being an influential example for my son. The world needs more people like you two.”

📸 Pictured here: Captain Jerry with this awesome volunteer crew at the Tulsa Fly Day!

Together We Raised $31,100 to Help Kids Soar!

Together, our Challenge Air community raised over $31,100 on September 18th to help build confidence and self esteem in children with special needs.

While North Texas Giving Day is our signature event, generosity has no deadline—ChallengeAir.org is your year-round, one-stop for supporting our VIP Co-Pilots and their families.

Thank you for giving kids wings and helping them see that the sky is just the beginning.

Honoring Pilot Jeanné Willerth

Jeanné Willerth isn’t just a pilot—she’s a force for good in the skies!

From her plane, Charlie, she’s given over 250 charity flights with Angel Flight Central, Challenge Air, and Young Eagles—helping kids and families experience the freedom, confidence, and joy that comes with flight.

Being chosen for the Olivia Bloomfield Legacy Seat at the KC Current game on September 20th was a perfect tribute to her fearless spirit and dedication to making aviation accessible to all.

Thank you, Jeanné, for showing that the sky truly has no limits when you give your time and heart to others.

Big Wins, New Friends, and Sky-High Inspiration in Dallas!

Challenge Air had an incredible time at the Dallas Aviation expo meeting new volunteers, pilots, and potential sponsors who are excited to help us GiveKidsWings.

Congrats to Stephen Rosier from Intuitive Tactics the winner of our 5-piece stainless steel airplane bar set giveaway!\

A huge THANK YOU to Charity Jackson, Hamp Reed, and the amazing Stature Aviation staff for hosting such a wonderful event. We’re leaving inspired and energized to keep making dreams take flight!

 Last Chance to Deck the Skies! 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15th, is the final day to order your Deck the Skies Ornaments! Each ornament helps support Challenge Air’s mission to give children with special needs the chance to soar as VIP Co-Pilots — turning holiday cheer into confidence-building flights.



✨ 40% of proceeds go directly back to Challenge Air for Kids & Friends.

Order now to receive your ornaments in early November — and help us spread joy that truly lifts off!