When three World War II fighter planes took to the picture perfect cloudless skies in Fort Myers, they provided the thrill of a lifetime for passengers and the opportunity of a lifetime for dozens of Immokalee children.
Among those who purchased rides on the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Nine-O-Nine” and the North American Dual Control P-51C Mustang “Betty Jane” are some enthusiastic supporters of The Immokalee Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for Immokalee’s children.
The Collings Foundation, who brought the fully restored World War II B-17, P-51 and B-24J Liberator to Page Field, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping Americans learn more about their heritage through the restoration and exhibition of historic aircraft, cars and other modes of transportation.
While the public could purchase rides in any of the planes, 20 people made sure to secure their spots last year during The Immokalee Foundation’s Fiesta of Fun dinner and auction. The group traveled together from Naples on Tuesday, Jan. 26 for the flights. Following the afternoon of high-flying fun, they gathered for dinner at the Bay Colony Golf Club, aka the “Officer’s Club,” for dinner and flight stories and the viewing of vintage video of B-17s.
Foundation board member Louise Penta is friends with Bob Collings, who founded The Collings Foundation with his wife, Caroline. Penta and Collings worked together on charitable events in the Boston area.
After seeing the interest generated there in B-17 rides, Penta asked Collings to secure a couple of seats in the plane during its Southwest Florida visit. They wound up with enough bidders to fill the plane twice.
“We got a tremendous response,” Penta says. “Everyone’s (auction) paddle went up. We had 20 people riding. A lot of people going on the flight know the history of the B-17 and P-51. Some are veterans. It has a lot of meaning to them.”
Marie Stonesifer was one of the lucky B-17 flyers. She flew in the plane’s radio compartment. “It was a terrific flight and a wonderful view,” noted Stonesifer on the tarmac after the flight. “All I could think about were the pilots and crew and how grateful we are to all the people who fought in the war.”
In addition, two more experienced what it’s like to fly the P-51, the world’s only dual-control fighter aircraft. The two-seat modified P-51 afforded one passenger a chance to fly in a second cockpit behind the pilot.
The collaboration between the two foundations made perfect sense to Collings.
“We are an educational foundation and as such are interested in educational issues, particularly those pertaining to children,” Collings says. “Part of our mission of taking World War II aircraft around the country is to teach younger Americans about the sacrifices made by veterans to ensure the lifestyle we have today.”
In teaming up with TIF, Collings says, “I’m pleased and honored to try to help contribute to the success of the auction and raise awareness of The Immokalee Foundation’s efforts and what we do as well.”
The 2010 Fiesta of Fun dinner and auction will be held in November at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples.