Donor Testimonials

Stefanie and I have been proud supporters of FEFY since our first season in 2021, contributing both through donations and volunteer work. As a student pilot, I’ve had the unique privilege of spending meaningful time with many of the Line Crew members who benefit directly from FEFY’s programs. Stefanie has also connected with them through her volunteer work at the camps.

I’ll never forget one early solo flight. As I sat in the cockpit running through my preflight checks, I noticed a Line Crew member watching closely. It struck me that she was making sure I’d secured the canopy and fastened my harness. A moment later, another Line Crew member cleared the pattern and gave me the thumbs-up for takeoff. That experience captured the spirit of FEFY—their emphasis on safety, accountability, and leadership is

extraordinary to witness in action. Over the years, we’ve both taken great joy in watching these young people grow and mature. Seeing them learn to soar—both literally and figuratively—while deepening their understanding of science, strengthening their interpersonal skills, and building confidence has been nothing short of inspiring.

-Jon Walsh, Donor

An elderly man with glasses and a white beard, smiling outdoors, wearing a T-shirt with a black elephant logo and the words "Tuskers" and "Made in Kenya," sitting on a wooden bench with greenery in the background.

“Soaring is a rather expensive proposition, out of reach of many young girls and boys who would fly. FEFY is one of the very rare programs that make for a more inclusive community of pilots. It offers what may be a life-altering opportunity to young people, and also helps bring young talent to an otherwise ageing soaring community.

Besides the sheer joy of flying, one of the reasons I love soaring is that there are rather few opportunities to test one’s skills where one has sole responsibility for one’s success or failure. Solo-ing in a glider offers such an opportunity, as one depends entirely on one’s skills and nobody is there who could help you if you don’t do well. I found this a unique and deeply satisfying confidence-building experience. I am, needless to say, in love with

Sugarbush, with its wonderful team of instructors and its incredibly beautiful setting. For all these reasons I decided to make a donation to FEFY in the form of a Sugarbush hangar which I am no longer using. The donation makes me feel really good”

— Guy Pfeffermann, Donor

Small blue and white biplane flying low over grassy field with green trees and mountains in the background.

Adam brought his Stearman to the 2019 Youth Airport Day.

“I applaud you and the entire team for creating these opportunities, which will perhaps inspire some of the young participants to explore aviation further while encouraging enthusiasm for disciplines like math and science necessary to master the craft.

In my opinion, developing a passion is the key. All else follows. While passing 3rd year calculus or developing a rigorous understanding of Newtonian mechanics may seem like insurmountable tasks, knowing the benefit in an applied way somehow greases the skids. While just a taste, I expect for some, this idea will take flight. ”

— Adam Alpert, Donor