by Wayne Flury
An appreciative crowd watching an airshow.
If you’ve ever imagined how the “other half” lives, picture yourself attending a benefit event featuring a catered pig roast, with a brass ensemble for entertainment while you dine among airplanes within a colorful hangar. To further entice you, the dinner is preceded by a private airshow for the guests, put on by one of the best airshow performers in the United States.
Mike Wiskus and the Lucas Oil Pitts Special at the conclusion of his performance.
This was exactly the scenario that unfolded October 2, 2010 at the Buffalo, Minnesota airport for approximately 150 attendees at a fund-raiser for Wings of Mercy, Minnesota. It was hosted by West Metro Aviation in their hangar, which just happens to be home base for Mike Wiskus who flies his “Lucas Oil Pitts Special” in air shows all over North America.
Wings of Mercy, Minnesota is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, established in 1995, specializing in medical air transportation for people with limited financial means who need treatment at distant medical facilities. The volunteer pilots, nurses and other professionals donate their time, planes and expertise to transport beneficiaries who are in medical and financial need. However, the organization does reimburse pilots for fuel costs, and funding for that expense was the main purpose of this evening event.
Wayne Horntvedt, president of Wings of Mercy, Minnesota, recapped the history and mission of the organization. Though their primary mission region is Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin, Richard LaBute, vice president and flight director, noted that their flight destinations range to all borders and coasts.
Wayne Horntvedt commented that the fund-raiser would bring in just a small portion of the yearly income needed to cover the cost of fuel for volunteer pilots. Mike Wiskus then offered to contribute another $500 to anyone who would match the amount. Almost like an auctioneer working the crowd, Wiskus quickly received three additional commitments…a very uplifting ending for a very fine event.
