A large crowd gathered at the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum to honor this year’s Achievement in Aviation Award recipient, Sara Nelson. Known for her passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, Nelson has become a pivotal figure in steering the aviation industry toward a more equitable future. Her career, which began as a flight attendant, has blossomed into a beacon of hope for many in the aviation sector.
A Night to Remember
The evening was filled with excitement and elegance. Gala participants dressed in their evening attire and adorned with bright smiles, eagerly awaited Nelson’s arrival. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation building to hear from the guest of honor herself. “I’m thrilled that we are honoring a woman like Sara Nelson; she’s an inspiration to us all. I admire her passion,” Gala attendee Jocelyn Miller said.
SFAS President John Martin gave a welcome speech highlighting the World Wings International Members in attendance, the recent acquisition and donation of historic flight attendant uniforms to the SFO Museum, and the Pan Am film collection! Samuel Scott, the Curator of Collections, Aviation at SFO Museum, gave a moving speech celebrating flight attendants as often the “unsung heroes” of the aviation industry. His words resonated with many, highlighting the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of those who ensure our safety and comfort in the skies.
The fun continued with a savory dinner, and a lively fund raiser auction with enticing prizes. Attendees bid on sought-after experiences such as a round of golf for four at the prestigious Olympic Club, round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian airlines, and a Napa Valley Wine Country adventure.
The Importance of the Pan Am Film Collection, raising funds to digitize
In addition to honoring Nelson, the SFAS spotlighted another of its significant initiatives: the preservation of the Pan Am film collection acquired last year, thanks to Edward Trippe, chairman of the Pan Am Historical Foundation. The donation of an estimated 700 titles and footage spanning over six decades, from 1927 through 1991 to the SFO museum is intended for public sharing and as such, needs to be digitized and safeguarded for generations to come. Thanks to the generosity of those attending the event, a significant amount of money was raised during the Fund-A-Need paddle raise that will be put towards these efforts. To read more about the Pan Am film donation and learn how you can contribute to this vital preservation effort, click here (insert link https://sfaero.org/event/movie-night-at-sfo-pan-am-on-film/).
SFAS would like to express its gratitude to all of the generous sponsors and donors who made the evening such a memorable one. The Society also invites all who share its mission to help preserve the history of aviation through educational programs and acquisition of artifacts to become members and get involved. Be sure to follow The Society on social media and visit our website www.sfaero.org for the latest news, information, activities, and to donate. Together, let’s continue to honor the past while celebrating the achievements of today.