Angel Flight West is proud to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Endeavor Awards, celebrating the remarkable contributions of volunteer pilots and other aviation heroes who use the power of flight to change lives. The 12th annual event will take place on May 1, 2026, at the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, bringing together a night of excitement, philanthropy, and awareness — all in support of charitable aviation.
The evening opens with an outdoor reception featuring thrilling flyovers, delicious hors d’oeuvres served by TGIS Catering — a finalist for the 2026 ICA Caterer of the Year Award — and opportunities to bid on premier silent auction items as well as luxury, once-in-a-lifetime live auction experiences. Following the red-carpet entrance, the indoor gala will culminate in honoring two Inspiration Awardees and two Endeavor Awardees for their outstanding contributions to aviation and health care, including:
Inspiration Honorees
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Will Cutter, President and CEO, and Cutter Aviation, the oldest family-owned fixed-base operator (FBO) in the United States.
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Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming.
Endeavor Honorees
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Chris Bennett, Volunteer Pilot with Angel Flight West
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Jerry Hill, Volunteer Pilot with Challenge Air for Kids and Friends
Stephanie Goetz of The Pink Jet will emcee the inspiring event honoring volunteer pilots whose contributions make a difference in the skies. Guests will experience the honorees’ stories through compelling videos, while patients who have benefited from volunteer flights share in the celebration. The stories will also spotlight the transformative collaborations AFW shares with Huntsman Cancer Institute and Cutter Aviation, highlighting the profound impact of healthcare and aviation initiatives.
“The 12th Annual Endeavor Awards are a tribute to those who make our mission possible,” said AFW Executive Director Mary Hunter. “By honoring heroes, we celebrate not only those who fly, but also the healthcare professionals who provide care and the dedicated supporters who make our work possible.”
This memorable evening is made possible through the generous support of major sponsors, including Alaska Airlines, UCLA Health, AOPA, ATC Tax Consultants, Cutter Aviation, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, Kenny and Irene Kato, Si Robin Foundation, The Zemeckis Foundation, and more generous supporters.
About the Endeavor Awards
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 17 charitable aviation organizations, raising $7.5 million to support tens of thousands of flights.
