Flights, family fun, and a feast from familiar favorites are on tap this weekend as part of a big fundraiser event for the United Way of Douglas County.
The first annual “Unite and Take Flight” event will include private plane and helicopter rides, static plane displays, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more, according to a news release from the organization, and flight tours aboard various unique planes and helicopters are scheduled throughout the day.
There’s also a special dinner planned: “The meal will include ‘Eats of Lawrence Past’ and feature dishes from our local favorites of yesteryear. This includes Paradise Café, Tin Pan Alley, Cornucopia, Campus Hideaway, La Familia, and more!” according to the release.
Flights and fun will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, starting at the Lawrence Regional Airport. Dinner will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. in the EuroTec Vertical Flight Solutions Hangar, and there will also be a silent auction.
Tickets to the family fun zone are $15 per person ages 13 and up, and $5 per child ages 12 and younger.
A seat at the dinner table goes for $100, or a table of 10 for $900. Flights range from $75 for an individual to $500 for a group of five to take a helicopter tour. But donors can also “buy a kid a flight” for $75.
“Accessibility and exposure to aviation and STEM fields is a priority, so United Way is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to provide free flights to local youth,” according to the release, and entry tickets have also been shared with other nonprofit youth agencies.
The event will launch the organization’s 2022-23 Workplace Campaign, which funds local grant programs.
“In past years, the Campaign Launch event has focused on business owners and donors who participate in the Workplace Campaign,” according to the release. “This year, United Way is looking to create a meaningful and fun event that is unique to Douglas County and leaves a lasting impression for our community to rally around.”
A flyover is scheduled for noon to signify the official launch of the campaign.
“The festival will be the first large scale event that the United Way of Douglas County hosts and will expect around 600 people,” according to the release. “United Way plans to utilize its Roger Hill Volunteer Center in partnership with the University of Kansas to gather support and manage the daytime activities.”
Learn more and find tickets at this link.
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