Wittman Regional Airport is a multipurpose portal that connects more than the earth to the sky. It connects the people and businesses of Winnebago County and the City of Oshkosh with each other, and as the headline suggests, two diverse examples took place this past week.
The Oshkosh Chapter of Women in Aviation International held its second annual Frosting for Flight on Saturday, October 6, a fundraiser that supports its Spirit of Flight Scholarship that helps women become pilots or pursue advanced training.
At $1 each or a half dozen for $5, the contestants’ cupcakes sold out before the judges—Betty Huck from Women in Aviation International headquarters, Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris, and Oshkosh Deputy Mayor Steve Cummings—finished their work of assessing the taste, appearance, and theme of baked delights reserved for them.
Linda Grady placed first with her Up, Up, and Away Balloon theme, which mirrors her passion for hot air aerostats. The Pink Whip Its, the mother-daughter team of Cathi Rhinehart and Elaine Schabel, placed second and promoted Breast Cancer Awareness. And attired in her father’s flight suit and boots, 13-year-old Danyele Hallstrand, rounded out the field with her recognition of his service with Support Our Troops.
Beyond the $300 the event raised, a number of businesses supported the Oshkosh Chapter’s effort with door prizes and a selection of beverages to go with the cupcakes supporters couldn’t wait to taste.
Like Wittman’s accessibility, the supporters were a diverse group. They included Basler Turbo Conversions, Oakes Chocolates, The Aviators television program, Planet Perk, Carmel Crisp & Café, LaSure’s, McDonald’s, and James Lovell, who provided an autographed copy of his book, Apollo 13. And at its display, Fox Valley Tech was ready to answer any and all questions about being a pilot.
The other aspect of access at Wittman Regional Airport is no less important. Construction began on the new perimeter road that will provide all-weather access to the airport’s southern reaches. Starting on the east side, it will follow the fence (more or less) around the approach end of Runway 36 to the west side.
Completing this perimeter circuit has many benefits, but the one that serves all is safety with the speedy arrival of the aircraft rescue and fire fighting crews. The work should be finished next year, and progress depends on the whims of Mother Nature. Stay tuned.
October 17th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Thanks for the great write-up about our Women in Aviation cupcake fundraiser. Appreciate the support of so many generous Oshkosh-area businesses and we thank you for mentioning them. Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better – with more delicious cupcakes for sale!