8th Annual Living
Legends of Aviation Awards
Written by Mimi Stuart and Michelle Rouch
(Photo Gallery)
Written by Mimi Stuart and Michelle Rouch
(Photo Gallery)
"If I create a light everywhere I touch, that's what I want to be remembered for."
Lynn Tilton, the first woman to be named Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year, expounded on what drives her to rescue companies on the brink of bankruptcy and bring them back to life: "You want to give people hope, empower them, give them dignity, to make life better for other people." Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla, SpaceX and PayPal, presented Ms. Tilton with the prestigious award at the star-studded 8th Annual Living Legends of Aviation ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton on January 21st. The red carpet walk was further enhanced by a series of seven-foot tall paintings of aviation legends created by Michelle Rouch and Mimi Stuart.
Ms. Lynn Tilton next to MD Helicopter
Living Legends is known for bringing together "aviators who have became celebrities and celebrities who have become aviators" to raise money for Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to instilling an interest and appreciation for aviation in children. The guest list reads like a veritable Who's Who, with Dr. and Mrs. Buzz Aldrin and other award winning legends in the audience.
Mimi Stuart & Michelle Rouch next to Stuart's Art
Host John Travolta introduced the evening's emcee Sean Tucker, the man who turned his fear of stalling an airplane into a "passion for perfection in the sky." With wit and a sparkle in his eye, the aerobatic legend welcomed to the stage such notables as Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Clay Lacy, Bob Hoover, Zoe Dell Lantis Nutter, Pres Henne and Jerry Lips.
John Travolta & Michelle Rouch next to
Eclipse 500 Painting
Harrison Ford presented Pat Epps with the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award. "I feel like Mickey Mouse here" said Ford, looking around the room at the aviation greats present. "This is my favorite day of the year," quipped Kurt Russell, before presenting the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award to Sean Tucker. On behalf of the Dolittle Raiders, Jimmy Doolittle III accepted the Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award from Bob Hoover himself.
Steven F Udvar-Hazy with Mimi Stuarts painting
"The thing Jim Lovell and I have in common is that we both landed in water. The only difference is, he meant to," joked Captain Chesley Sullenberger as he introduced Captain James Lovell to present him with the Captain Cool Award. Other award winners included Jeffrey Puckett, Laurent Beaudoin, Clay Jones, Delford Smith, Frank Robinson and Congressman Sam Johnson.
Michelle Rouch's Donations to Kiddie Hawk Air Academy Fundraiser
Cliff Robertson, the presiding Aviation Legend & Ambassador of Aviation Emeritus, gave Closing Remarks to resounding applause. Audience members with special passes proceeded to the rooftop reception to party amid a charity auction and the "Legends of Aviation" art display by Rouch & Stuart. Rare wines, airplane sculptures and select paintings were auctioned to benefit Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.
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