Signs Two-Year Agreement As Presenting Sponsor

Cessna has renewed its commitment and its sponsorship for EAA’s Gathering of Eagles fundraiser, which supports youth aviation education programs, by signing a new two-year agreement as the gala’s presenting sponsor. The event, which is held during the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, draws more than 1,000 attendees and raises in excess of $1.5 million for programs such as EAA Young Eagles, Air Academy, and others. In 2012, the event is tentatively scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 26, at the EAA AirVenture Museum.

“EAA is grateful to Cessna for its continuing support that helps create the next generation of aviators,” said Elissa Lines, EAA’s vice president of business and donor relations. “Gathering of Eagles is unique as it brings together all areas of the aviation community, including aviation businesses that realize the importance of working together to fortify EAA’s mission of growing aviation through participation by all ages, but especially in young people.”

In the past, the Gathering of Eagles has featured such aviation legends as Bob Hoover, Chuck Yeager, Paul Poberezny, Jim Lovell, and Gene Cernan, as well as celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, the late Cliff Robertson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Roush, and others.

EAA and Cessna are also working together on other opportunities through EAA programs and activities. “We are thrilled to continue our support of the EAA Young Eagles program, working with other industry partners, to foster a bright future for us all,” said Jodi Noah, Cessna vice president, Single Engine/Propeller Aircraft. “EAA has taken a leadership role in developing new aviators of all ages, and Cessna is happy to support their efforts to welcome young and old to the joy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment that comes from flying.”

EAA welcomes additional sponsors and supporters for its aviation education programs and for the 2012 Gathering of Eagles gala. More information can be obtained through EAA’s business development office at sponsorship@eaa.org.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.cessna.com