BIRMINGHAM AL- Since 1997, the Alabama Ninety Nines and the Birmingham Zonta Club joined to help support Amelia Earhart's Birthplace Museum with a benefit luncheon. On Saturday, January 7, 2012, the Ninety-Nines continue their fund-raising efforts to maintain and improve this treasured National Historic landmark and its contents. Despite living in many different cities, Amelia considered Atchison, Kansas her hometown, having spent more time there in the Otis home. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace represents the most tangible remaining link with the famous female aviator.
Amelia's flying accomplishments proved influential to American pilots and pilots of the world alike. She was a creative impulse within the Ninety-Nines organization, a Zonta member and a stimulus for womankind to replace outdated social norms. Her legacy encourages women to hold fast to their beliefs, follow their hearts, and always dare to dream- even now.
-Cheryl Stearns, an aviator and the most successful competitive skydiver in the world will speak at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum YWCA benefit-
A distinguished woman in aviation keynotes the annual fundraising event. Cheryl Stearns, an aviator and the most successful competitive skydiver in the world will speak at the YWCA benefit this year.
In 1977, after winning her first national championship and establishing a world record, Cheryl joined the U.S. Army and became the first woman member of the Golden Knights. During her assignments with the Golden Knights, Cheryl won recognition as the leading performer in her sport. Her most memorable demonstration was parachuting into the grounds of the Statue of Liberty trailing the American flag. In 2003 the U.S. Army Women's Museum at Ft. Lee, Virginia, honored Cheryl by opening an exhibit featuring her accomplishments in parachuting and aviation. Cheryl retired as a Master Sergeant from the US Army Reserve in 2005. She then served on the US Army Women's Foundation Board of Directors.
Cheryl has excelled in the air as a pilot finding time to earn the degrees of Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) and Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She subsequently gained experience flying med evac, teaching and competing in aerobatics, flying and jumping for Air Show America, and for Henson and Piedmont Airlines. Now with US Airways, Cheryl is currently a 737-300/400 Captain. She comes to Birmingham from Charlotte, NC for this occasion.
Open to the public: the Amelia Earhart benefit luncheon event includes a silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are $30 each, RSVP now at 256/538-2672 or alallama@aol.com . Ticket price includes lunch and a $15 donation to Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum- AEBM that is tax deductable, 501(c) (3). If you are unable to make the Luncheon Event, much needed donations may be mailed to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, payable to AEBM at: Carole Sutton, 609 Meridian Rd, Chester, NE 68327-7004. -B Meyer
What: Amelia Earhart Birthplace Benefit Luncheon
Where: Downtown YWCA - 309 23rd St N, Birmingham, Alabama
When: January 7, 2012, 11:00am- 2:00pm
Info: 256/538-2672
FMI: Amelia Earhart Museum, Cheryl Stearns, Ninety Nines, Birmingham Zonta Club