While the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In has come and gone, the energy from this year’s Legends of the Sky Dinner & Fundraiser is still soaring.
We’re excited to share that something truly remarkable happened this year. For the first time, a group of anonymous donors came together to offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to $15,000—and thanks to the generosity of our guests, we not only met that goal but exceeded it. The event raised $22,800 the night of, unlocking the full match and bringing the total raised to $37,800 in one evening.
To put that into perspective, this year’s event fully funds TWO paid internships at the Lakeland Aero Club for the next 12 months. These internships provide local students with hands-on experience and mentorship in aircraft restoration, maintenance, and flight; a life-changing opportunity for aspiring aviators. We’ll be sitting down with the current interns soon to hear more about their journey and can’t wait to share their stories with you. Stay tuned!
With this year’s success, the Double M Foundation’s total contribution to the Lakeland Aero Club now exceeds $114,000, an incredible milestone for an event that began as a casual hangar gathering among friends.
This year also brought another exciting first: Lakeland Linder International Airport stepped up as the event’s first-ever presenting sponsor, helping us take the evening to new heights. With their support, we rebranded the event as the Legends of the Sky Dinner, a name that honors both the aviation community we serve and the legacy we’re helping to build through programs like the Lakeland Aero Club. What began as a small hangar gathering has truly evolved into a signature evening of celebration, connection, and purpose.
Guests enjoyed front-row seats to the airshow, a delicious catered dinner, live music, and of course, our ever-popular raffle and giveaways, all while supporting a cause that’s shaping the future of aviation.
To our sponsors, raffle donors, volunteers, and every attendee, thank you. Whether you bought a raffle ticket, picked up a t-shirt, helped spread the word, or simply showed up to support the cause, you made this night something truly special.
We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year—and we hope to see you there!
