Hope Flies Gala
An inspiring evening honoring the humanitarian legacy of Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen — in support of youth STEM education and service.
DATE
September 12, 2026
Venue
Utah State Capitol Rotunda
Time
5:00 PM Reception · 6:00 PM Gala
We Rise Together
This year’s theme, “We Rise Together,” reflects the spirit that carried a divided city through the Berlin Airlift, united a nation in moments of crisis, and continues to inspire communities today.
When Gail Halvorsen tied candy to handmade parachutes and dropped them from the sky, he showed the world that small acts, done with compassion, can lift hearts and change history.
That same humanitarian heart guides The Candy Bomber Foundation’s mission today.
Individual Ticket – $250.00 / VIP Reception Addon – +$50.00
We Rise Together
This year’s theme, “We Rise Together,” reflects the spirit that carried a divided city through the Berlin Airlift, united a nation in moments of crisis, and continues to inspire communities today.
When Gail Halvorsen tied candy to handmade parachutes and dropped them from the sky, he showed the world that small acts, done with compassion, can lift hearts and change history.
That same humanitarian heart guides The Candy Bomber Foundation’s mission today.
Individual Ticket – $250.00 / VIP Reception Addon – +$50.00
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Sponsorship Opportunities
Stand alongside the Candy Bomber Foundation’s legacy of hope — and put your brand in front of an audience that values purpose as much as impact.
Only 1 Available
$50,000
Legacy Sponsor
- 9Logo in VIP Room & Podium
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 9Logo prominent on all event materials, media & website
- 9Introduce the evening’s events & welcome
$25,000
Keynote Sponsor
SOLD
- 9Logo on Registration Table & Keynote Speaker Table
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 98 VIP VIP ReceptionTickets
- 9Logo placement prominent on all event materials, media & website
$20,000
Dinner Sponsor
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 98 VIP Meet & Greet Access Tickets
- 9Logo on all event materials, media and website
- 9Present one award during awards ceremony plus one minute to speak about your organization
$15,000
Event Sponsor
1 Available
- 9Logo on Dinner Tables
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 94 VIP Meet & Greet Access Tickets
- 9Logo on all event materials, media & website
$15,000
AV Sponsor
1 Available
- 9Logo on Performance Area(s) & Registration Table
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 94 VIP Meet & Greet Access Tickets
- 9Logo on all event materials, media & website
$10,000
Venue Sponsor
SOLD
- 9Venue Sponsor
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 92 VIP Meet & Greet Access Tickets
- 9Logo on all event materials, media & website
$5,000
Rotunda Sponsor
- 9Venue Sponsor
- 9Table for 10 guests
- 92 VIP Meet & Greet Access Tickets
- 9Logo on all event materials, media & website
$2,500
General Sponsor
SOLD / NO TABLE
- 9Logo on all event materials, media & website
Questions? Contact Jill @ jill@globalnonprofitconsulting.com / 801-573-3003 or Jordan @ Jordan@theCandyBomber.org / (801) 602-7713
Meet our Keynote Speakers
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Susanne L. Lonsberry is a leadership author and speaker whose U.S. Air Force career as a pilot, strategist, and commander shaped her approach to leadership. A command pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours, including over 1,000 combat hours, she flew the KC-10A, C-17A, and T-6A and deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
A graduate of the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, Susie served as a strategist for U.S. Air Forces Europe–Air Forces Africa, where she led multinational planning efforts with NATO partners, developed airpower strategy and contingency plans across Europe and Africa, and synchronized coalition operations during international crises.
As commander of the 7th Airlift Squadron, Susie led 150 Airmen executing global C-17A airlift operations, including missions for Operation Allies Refuge, the largest humanitarian evacuation airlift in U.S. history. Under dynamic and rapidly deteriorating conditions, her team adapted through the chaos and worked together to evacuate thousands of Afghan allies and evacuees.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RET) SUSANNE L. LONSBERRY
LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RET) SUSANNE L. LONSBERRY
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Susanne L. Lonsberry is a leadership author and speaker whose U.S. Air Force career as a pilot, strategist, and commander shaped her approach to leadership. A command pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours, including over 1,000 combat hours, she flew the KC-10A, C-17A, and T-6A and deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
A graduate of the U.S. Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, Susie served as a strategist for U.S. Air Forces Europe–Air Forces Africa, where she led multinational planning efforts with NATO partners, developed airpower strategy and contingency plans across Europe and Africa, and synchronized coalition operations during international crises.
As commander of the 7th Airlift Squadron, Susie led 150 Airmen executing global C-17A airlift operations, including missions for Operation Allies Refuge, the largest humanitarian evacuation airlift in U.S. history. Under dynamic and rapidly deteriorating conditions, her team adapted through the chaos and worked together to evacuate thousands of Afghan allies and evacuees.
Brigadier General (ret)
Paul S. Peters
Brigadier General (ret) Paul S. Peters, U.S. Army, is a former Army officer, Special Forces leader, strategist, and capability developer with more than 30 years of military service. A graduate of Officer Candidate School, he rose from second lieutenant to brigadier general and served in senior command, operational, joint, and advisory roles across the Army National Guard, U.S. Special Operations Forces, and deployed combat formations.
Throughout his career, General Peters led elite, cross-functional organizations and complex operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. His senior assignments included serving as Commander of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Military Advisor Group Director for Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve in Baghdad, Iraq, Deputy Commanding General of 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), and Special Assistant to the Director of the Army National Guard. His operational assignments included service in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Djibouti, Bahrain, and Iraq in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Desert Spring, and Inherent Resolve.
Today, General Peters applies that experience at the intersection of government, academia, defense innovation, and operational problem solving. He continues to advise defense-focused organizations on capability development, operational requirements, and the translation of emerging technologies into practical fielded solutions.
Outside his professional work, he is a seasoned alpinist and mountaineer whose summits include Denali, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Kilimanjaro, Mount Rainier, and the Grand Teton—pursuits that reflect the same preparation, resilience, and “lead from the front” mindset that have defined his military and professional career.