A F-22 Raptor and a P-38 do a heritage pass in honor of military members the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow at the Colorado Springs Airport on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow announced a trio of $25,000 donations Tuesday to area museums dedicated to teaching and preserving the country's military history.
The National Museum of World War II Aviation, the 4th Infantry Division Museum and the Peterson Air and Space Museum will each receive $25,000 from the air show group, according to a news release. The airshow donated the funds on Colorado Gives Day, a 15-year tradition that encourages people to give back to the causes they most care about. The donations are not part of Colorado Gives Day, but just happened to be announced Tuesday, a spokesperson with the air show group said.
As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, donations totaled more than $38 million, according to the Colorado Gives Foundation. The National Museum of World War II Aviation, as a nonprofit, is a participant and raised more than $13,000.
The museum's goal was $5,000, according to the Colorado Gives Foundation website. The Pikes Peak Regional Airshow donation will more than double the current amount raised.
"We are thrilled to see the proceeds from the air show directly benefit these incredible institutions, whose missions align with our commitment to honoring military heritage," said Megan Leatham, a board member with the airshow.
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During the air show, more than 33,000 people were treated to aerobatics displays from the Navy's Blue Angels and EA-18G Growler Airshow Team, the Air Force's F-22 Demonstration Team and several antique warbirds from World War II and the Korean War.
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The air show generated an estimated $20 million in economic impact, according to the release..
"As a key piece of community culture in Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow is proud to give back to these worthy museums," said Bill Klaers, president of the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow.
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While all three museums are open to the public Peterson Air and Space Museum is located on Peterson Space Force Base. In order to attend, those without a Department of Defense I.D. must request an appointment before 1 p.m. three business days prior to their intended visit.
More information may be found online at the museum's website.
Entry to the Fort Carson 4th infantry Division Museum is free.