The Utah Capitol Rotunda came alive as guests gathered in their best dress for The Candy Bomber Foundation’s Hope Flies High Annual Gala—an inspiring evening honoring the enduring legacy of Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen and his lifelong mission to bring hope through service.

This year’s theme, “Launching a Future of Service and Innovation,” celebrated the power of creativity and compassion to shape a better world. Echoing Gail’s simple yet profound acts of kindness during the Berlin Airlift, the event reminded us that humanity’s greatest strength lies in uniting through service before self and inspiring every generation to create meaningful impact across the globe.

The evening’s success will help propel The Candy Bomber Foundation’s mission forward—funding program operations, equipment and supplies, and the establishment of the new Candy Bomber Education Center. This global hub for innovation and training will serve as a cornerstone for humanitarian work, youth service learning camps, aviation and STEM education, and emergency response simulations, inspiring future generations to lead with service, integrity, and ingenuity.

Through this year’s gala, The Candy Bomber Foundation continues to ensure that the spirit of service and innovation truly flies high—building a brighter, more hopeful future for all.