“Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.”
~ Colin Powell

December 2005


Dear Cradle of Aviation Supporter:

As a nonprofit organization, the Cradle of Aviation relies on the generosity of its members and guests to raise the funds necessary for constructing new exhibits and creating innovative and exciting programs and activities. Thanks to the assistance we received from our many friends and supporters, we soared to new heights in 2005 as we:

• Designed and constructed five rotating exhibits for display in the KeySpan Gallery
• Sponsored a lecture series featuring former Astronaut Bill Shepherd, former Republic Aviation
• President Dr. Robert Sanator, and former F14 Chief Test Pilot Bob Smyth
• Improved several gallery exhibits
• Debuted summer evening showings of the popular IMAX movies NASCAR and Fighter Pilot
• Opened Mitchel Field Outpost, the new Museum Store
• Hosted a book signing featuring Apollo Astronaut Buzz Aldrin
• Expanded and enhanced the summer camp and family programs
• Created the Junior Jet Club for toddlers and young children
• Implemented a new individual and family membership program

2006 promises to be equally as rewarding as we look to continue our efforts to fund the construction of new exhibits, particularly the World War II Carrier Deck and Long Island Aviators in Combat Featuring the Tuskegee Airmen.

We need your help. As you prepare to make your year-end contributions, we would appreciate your considering the Cradle of Aviation. Your donation is vital to our plans for enhancing and expanding our exhibits and operations.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to having you visit us soon. Best wishes to you and your family for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.


Sincerely,

Eric Ricioppo, Ed.D
President & CEO

To make a secure online year end donation, visit our donation page.