Presented by Flying Over Time
Spirit99 Gala: Hidden Figures of Flight
July 21, 2026 · Los Angeles, California
The Anniversary when 30 Million Hearts Looked Skyward.
A Glimpse into Aviation's Golden Era
Exclusive Photo Unveiling
Step Into a Glittering 1920s Evening Where the Hidden Figures of Flight Are Finally Celebrated
One plane changed history. One engineer designed it. Almost no one knows his name.
Donald A. Hall was the brilliant aeronautical engineer who designed the Spirit of St. Louis — the aircraft that captured the world’s imagination on its legendary nonstop flight from New York to Paris in 1927. While the pilot became a household name, the genius behind the aircraft remained in the shadows for nearly a century.
This July, we change that.
Join us for the Spirit99 Gala — a once-in-a-century celebration honoring the hidden figures who made flight possible, while raising critical Kids Funds** for educating the next generation of aviators, engineers, and dreamers.
The Spirit99 Gala honors the hidden figures of flight and celebrates July 21, the anniversary of the 1927 Aviation Goodwill Tour that reshaped a nation and echoed around the world.
** (curriculum is STEM/STEAM and History/art of 1920-1930 based)
Tickets & Sponsorships
Pre-ticket access and tiered sponsorship packages are now available for reservation. Every contribution directly funds STEM education, youth mentorship, and community outreach for kids who lack access.
Reserve Your Ticket — Donate to Flying Over Time
What to Expect
The Event Vibe: Art Deco Meets Aviation
Imagine stepping into a world where Art Deco elegance meets the golden age of aviation — period flair, vintage aircraft imagery, modern comforts, and the unmistakable energy of something historic unfolding.
A Rare, Never-Before-Seen Unveiling
For the first time in public, Donald A. Hall’s personal photographs from 1924–1926 will be revealed — intimate, surprising images from the man who designed the most famous airplane in history. These photographs were discovered in a trunk by Hall’s grandson, Nova Hall, and have never been exhibited outside Arizona.
Storytelling That Honors the Builders
The Spirit99 Gala goes beyond the famous names. We honor the engineers, builders, and teams — the hidden figures — whose ingenuity, grit, and collaboration made aviation possible. Their stories deserve to be told.
July 21, 1927 was the start of the Goodwill Tour an epic celebration of 82 cities. This date marks the moment that aviation history touched the people. With unprecedented press coverage, crowds stretching city blocks, and millions witnessing the aircraft firsthand. The tour changed the trajectory of America as an aviation leader — and influenced the world.
An Unforgettable Evening
- Live music & art inspired by the roaring twenties
- Curated auction featuring unique aviation and art pieces
- Refined bites & special craft cocktails with a 1920s twist
- Moments designed for sharing — with you, our special guests
Why Attend the Spirit99 Gala
1. Be Part of a Once-in-a-Century Moment
July 21, 1927 was the start of the Goodwill Tour an epic celebration of 82 cities. This date marks the moment that aviation history touched the people. This gala is the opening chapter of a two-year celebration leading to the 100th anniversary of the transatlantic flight in 2027 AND the 250th anniversary of the United States. You won’t get this evening back.
2. Raise Money for Kids Who Need It Most
Every dollar raised supports Flying Over Time’s hands-on STEM and STEAM programs — drone adventures, aviation workshops, critical thinking curriculum, and career mentorship — reaching girls and at-risk youth who lack access to these life-changing experiences.
3. Create Memories That Last
Reserve a table to host your friends, family, or clients. Make the evening personal. Make it yours.
Who is Donald Hall?
“The truth will come out, eventually.”
— Donald Albert Hall, Sr. 1968
Donald A. Hall (1898–1968) was the chief engineer at Ryan Airlines who designed the Spirit of St. Louis in just 60 days. His career spanned work in Long Island with Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Corp., to the Douglas Company, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft/Convair, and the Navy. Charles Lindbergh himself chose Ryan Airlines specifically because he believed in Hall’s ability after meeting in 1927 in San Diego.
Yet for nearly a century, Hall’s name has been forgotten. The Spirit99 Gala is where that changes.
Sponsorship & Table Packages
Tiered sponsorship levels and table packages are available to suit every level of engagement. Every contribution directly powers:
- Student Programs: Hands-on STEM/STEAM workshops, drone programs & aviation education for K-12 and at-risk youth
- Archival Preservation: Protecting and exhibiting Donald A. Hall’s historic photographs and documents
- Community Outreach: Expanding access to mentorship and career development in aviation and technical fields
Sponsorship benefits include:
- Premium table reservations for your group
- Brand visibility at a landmark cultural event
- Exclusive access to the photograph unveiling
- Direct impact on underserved youth in STEM
- Recognition as a patron of aviation history
Interested in sponsorship?
Live Music Extravaganza
Enjoy performances inspired by the roaring twenties
Curated Auction
Bid on unique aviation and art pieces
1920s-Inspired Cuisine
Savor refined bites and craft cocktails with a vintage twist
The Details
Date: July 21, 2026
Location: Casa Vertigo, Los Angeles, California
Dress Code: 1920s-inspired cocktail & gala attire encouraged
Tickets: PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Presented by: Flying Over Time, a certified 501(c)(3) educational charity
About Flying Over Time
Flying Over Time is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching art and science through the lens of history. Through hands-on STEM programs, aviation workshops, drone adventures, and exhibitions, Flying Over Time inspires the next generation of innovators — especially girls and at-risk youth — to explore aviation, engineering, and technical careers.
Your support is tax-deductible and goes directly to the mission. Donate directly and support the 600,000 kids we will reach.
Don’t Miss This Historic Evening
The hidden figures of flight waited 99 years to be seen.
The countdown to the centennial starts here.