Presented by Flying Over Time
Spirit99 Gala: Hidden Figures of Flight
July 21, 2026 · Los Angeles, California
The 99th Anniversary of the Goodwill Tour and Aviation’s Air Age
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 April, 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 funds for the next generation of aviators, engineers, and dreamers.
Tickets & Sponsorships Coming Soon
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 Spot — Contact 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 publicly.
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.
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
April 28, 2026 marks 99 years to the day since the Spirit of St. Louis first took flight. 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.
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 with Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Corp., the Douglas Company, and Consolidated Vultee Aircraft. Charles Lindbergh himself chose Ryan Airlines specifically because he believed in Hall’s ability.
Yet for nearly a century, Hall’s name has been overshadowed. 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: April 28, 2026
Location: Santa Monica, California (Exact venue to be announced soon)
Dress Code: 1920s-inspired cocktail & gala attire encouraged
Tickets: Tickets page coming soon — reserve early for guaranteed access
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.
Don’t Miss This Historic Evening
The hidden figures of flight waited 99 years to be seen.
The countdown to the centennial starts here.