For Immediate Release:
3/25/25
Contact:
Jessica Hayes [email protected]
Sr. Communications Manager
Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West is proud to announce the highly anticipated 2025 Endeavor Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteer pilots and other aviation heroes who use the power of flight to change lives. The 11th annual event will take place on May 9, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, bringing together a night of excitement, philanthropy, and awareness — all in support of public benefit flying.
The evening opens with an outdoor reception featuring thrilling flyovers by the Condor Squadron and World Class Aerobatics Pilot and Competitor, Anthony Oshinuga. Following the red-carpet entrance, the indoor gala culminates in honoring three Inspiration Awardees and two Endeavor Awardees for their outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace, including:
Inspiration Honorees
- Mark Baker, Past CEO and President of The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest community of pilots.
- Los Angeles Aerial Firefighters and First Responders, including CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Los Angeles City Fire Department, and Los Angeles City General Services Department.
- The Polaris Dawn Crew, with Sarah Gillis in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the entire crew: Jared Isaacman, Scott “Kidd” Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon.
Endeavor Honorees
- Mike Evans, volunteer pilot with Angel Flight West
- Lisa Fusano, volunteer pilot with Aviation Explorers Post 747
Emceed by Stephanie Goetz of The Pink Jet, guests will hear inspiring stories from each honoree and learn about their incredible impact in the skies. Patients who have benefited from gifted flights by volunteer pilots will be in attendance, and participants will also have the opportunity to pay tribute to the firefighters and first responders who answered the call during this year’s devastating wildfires in LA.
“This year’s Endeavor Awards is a testament to the incredible power of community,” says AFW Executive Director Mary Hunter. “Aviation has the power to change lives, to bring heroes together to respond to natural disasters, to advance access to medical care, and to move us forward. We’re beyond grateful to host such a powerful — and hopeful — event and for the amazing generosity shown by our supporters.”
This memorable evening is made possible through the generous support of major sponsors, including the Si Robin Foundation, AOPA, EAA, UCLA Health, Aviation Tax Consultants, Cutter Aviation, and the Zemeckis Foundation.
About Angel Flight West
Hosted by Angel Flight West, the annual Endeavor Awards® gala celebrates and honors volunteer pilots and provides charitable support to the organizations that coordinate their gifts of flight to serve those in need. Every year thousands of donated flights save lives, provide access to medical care, transport veterans, rescue animals, map environmental data, aid in disaster relief, and contribute to the public good in communities nationwide.
Since its onset in 2014, the Endeavor Awards has honored 50 awardees across 16 charitable aviation organizations, raising $6.6 million to support tens of thousands of flights.
Endeavor Awards
To learn more about supporting or attending the Endeavor Awards on May 9, 2025, visit www.endeavorawards.org or contact Mary Hunter at [email protected]. The last day to get tickets is April 18, 2025.
To make a donation, visit angelflightwest.org/give.
