A Night in Flight: An Unforgettable Evening of Elegance and Impact at The Hangars
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM, The Hangars by Crownair Aviation transformed into a breathtaking venue for A Night in Flight – the annual fundraising gala supporting the Mission Valley and Toby Wells YMCAs. Held at The Hangars – 3794 John J. Montgomery Drive, San Diego, CA 92123, this event was more than just a night of celebration; it was a powerful testament to community, generosity, and the shared mission of uplifting lives through the transformative programs of the YMCA. As the team at The Hangars, we’re thrilled to reflect on this extraordinary evening and share every detail of what made it so special.
Setting the Stage: The Hangars at Crownair Aviation
Nestled adjacent to the runway at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, The Hangars provided an unparalleled backdrop for A Night in Flight. Our venue, born from Crownair Aviation’s vision of creating a unique event space, boasts two expansive hangars; Hangar 40 and Hangar 41; each offering 7,000 square feet of industrial-chic interior space. For this gala, we opened our massive floor-to-ceiling doors, flooding the venue with natural light during the early evening and offering guests stunning views of the active runway as planes took flight just beyond the tarmac. The 5,000-square-foot outdoor tarmac area added an extra layer of allure, providing a front-row seat to aviation in action; a fitting complement to the event’s theme.
The Hangars is more than just a venue; it’s a blank canvas designed to bring your vision to life. For A Night in Flight, we partnered with the YMCA to craft an atmosphere of modern elegance and sophistication. The vast, open layout of our hangars allowed for seamless flow between dining, entertainment, and auction areas, while the sleek, contemporary design elevated the evening’s ambiance. Whether you were sipping a cocktail under the starry San Diego sky or bidding on exclusive auction items inside, every moment was framed by the unique charm of our aviation-inspired space.
The Heart of the Evening: Supporting the YMCA’s Mission
A Night in Flight was all about making a difference. Hosted annually to benefit the Mission Valley and Toby Wells YMCAs, this gala raised critical funds to support programs that promote mental and physical well-being for individuals and families across the community. From youth development initiatives like adaptive swim and gymnastics to family-oriented camps and healthy living programs, the proceeds from this event empower the YMCA to continue its vital work.
Last year’s event raised over $120,000, funding essential services that touched countless lives. This year, with the support of generous attendees, sponsors, and donors, A Night in Flight soared to new heights. Individual tickets were priced at $350, including a gourmet dinner, drinks, and dessert, offering guests a first-class experience while contributing to a worthy cause. The evening’s success was a collective effort, and we at The Hangars were honored to play a role in facilitating such a meaningful gathering.
A Night to Remember: Event Highlights
From the moment guests arrived at 6:00 PM, A Night in Flight promised an enchanting and impactful experience. Here’s a closer look at what unfolded:
- Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction: The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour on the tarmac, where attendees mingled against the backdrop of the runway. Our outdoor space was the perfect setting for this relaxed yet glamorous start, with guests enjoying signature drinks and browsing an impressive silent auction. Items ranged from small treasures to high-value experiences, giving everyone a chance to contribute in their own way. The silent auction was already buzzing with activity online before the event, and it continued to captivate attendees throughout the night.
- Gourmet Dining Under the Hangar Roof: As the sun set, guests moved into the hangar for a seated dinner that rivaled the finest dining experiences in San Diego. The open layout of Hangar 40 allowed for beautifully arranged tables, each adorned with elegant décor that echoed the event’s aviation theme. The menu, crafted to delight the palate, was paired with premium drinks and a decadent dessert course, ensuring a culinary journey as memorable as the cause itself.
- Live Auction Extravaganza: The energy in the room peaked during the live auction, a highlight that had guests on the edge of their seats. Exclusive experiences and luxury items were up for grabs, driving excitement and participation. The funds raised here went directly to the YMCA’s programs, making every bid a step toward positive change. The Hangars’ spacious interior provided the perfect stage for this lively moment, with clear sightlines and acoustics that amplified the thrill of the bidding war.
- A Celebration of Community: Beyond the auctions and dining, A Night in Flight was a celebration of connection. Attendees shared messages of support via the event’s online platform, with comments reflecting the collective spirit of the night. Every gesture underscored the community’s commitment to the YMCA’s mission.
Generosity in Action: Donors and Sponsors
The success of A Night in Flight wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of donors and sponsors. Leading up to and during the event, contributions poured in, showcasing the depth of support for the Mission Valley and Toby Wells YMCAs. Standout donations included:
- Professional Maintenance Systems and Jared (National Air) Wells, each donating $10,000, setting a powerful example of corporate and individual giving.
- San Diego Wave** and Carlo Cetti, both contributing $5,000, blending local pride with personal impact.
- Madison Bucci ($3,500) and Jacob Erlendson ($2,500), among others, whose gifts added to the evening’s momentum.
These donations, alongside countless others painted a picture of a community united in purpose. Sponsorships also played a pivotal role, with businesses and individuals securing tickets and seating reservations to amplify their support. At The Hangars, we’re proud to have hosted an event that brought such generosity to life.
Why The Hangars?
Choosing The Hangars for A Night in Flight was no accident. Our venue’s unique blend of industrial sophistication and aviation heritage perfectly aligned with the event’s theme and goals. The proximity to the runway offered an immersive experience that few locations in San Diego can match, while our flexible event spaces accommodated every aspect of the gala—from intimate networking to grand-scale fundraising. Our team at Crownair Aviation worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience, from marshaling guests to coordinating logistics, making the night as effortless as it was unforgettable.
For non-profits like the YMCA, we also offer complimentary use of spaces like The Mezzanine; a charming area with runway views, ideal for smaller gatherings. While A Night in Flight utilized our full hangar capacity, this commitment to community support underscores our mission at The Hangars: to be more than just a venue, but a partner in creating meaningful moments.
Looking Ahead
As we look back on September 7, 2024, A Night in Flight stands out as a pinnacle of what The Hangars can offer. It was a night where elegance met purpose, where every laugh, bid, and donation contributed to a brighter future for the Mission Valley and Toby Wells YMCA communities. The funds raised will fuel programs that inspire kids, strengthen families, and promote well-being; impacts that will ripple far beyond that single evening.
If you missed this year’s gala, mark your calendar for next September, when we hope to welcome you to The Hangars for another unforgettable A Night in Flight. In the meantime, explore our venueto see how we can bring your next event to life; whether it’s a fundraiser, wedding, or corporate gathering. With our expansive hangars, stunning tarmac, and dedication to excellence, The Hangars is ready to elevate your vision.
Thank you to everyone who made A Night in Flight a soaring success. Together, we took flight for a cause that matters—and we can’t wait to do it again.
