Fly for Foundations – Columbia, August 16, 2025
Fly For Foundations Eagle Aviation at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (August 2025) On Saturday, August 16, 2025, The Mantei Charitable Fund proudly hosted Fly For Foundations at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The event brought together aviation history, community spirit, and charitable giving in one unforgettable day. Held at Eagle Aviation, attendees had the rare opportunity to experience […]
Soaring for a Cause: Giving Back with Plane Rides for Charity
This past Saturday, July 19th, we had the joy of hosting our Plane Rides for Charity fundraiser at the Aiken Municipal Airport—and what an incredible day it was. Through the Mantei Charitable Fund, we’ve always believed in giving back to the communities we care about. This event brought that mission to life in the most […]
Rick Mantei and Daughter Sara Run the 2025 Firecracker 5K in support of Tunnels toTowers
This Fourth of July weekend, Col. Rick Mantei and his daughter Sara laced up their running shoes to participate in the 2025 Firecracker 5K on Hilton Head Island, showing their support for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Known as Hilton Head Island’s oldest and largest race, the Firecracker 5000 draws runners from all over to […]
Rick Mantei Visits Veteran and WWII-Era Model at Tarabella Assisted Living
On a recent visit to Tarabella Assisted Living in Columbia, SC, Col. Rick Mantei continued his mission of honoring those who served by spending time with two remarkable residents—Ronald Lindrose and Pat Frazier. Rick was joined by his seven-year-old daughter, Scarlett, whose presence brought smiles and warmth to both guests. Ronald Lindrose is a proud U.S. […]
Rick Mantei Supports ROTC Cadets At Spring Valley High School Military Ball
Rick Mantei recently had the honor of attending the Spring Valley High School Military Ball, hosted by Major Gregory Perry and the school’s AFJROTC program. During the evening, Rick reconnected with several ROTC cadets he had previously flown in his PT-17 Stearman Biplane, taking time to check in on their progress, encourage their educational goals, […]
Rick Mantei Supports Epworth Children’s Home With Flight Event
APRIL 14, 2025 As part of his ongoing support for Epworth Children’s Home, Rick Mantei recently hosted a special flight experience for Rev. Cathy Jones, Church Director at Epworth. Aboard his PT-17 Stearman Biplane, Rick gave Cathy a memorable ride filled with history, excitement, and breathtaking views. Following the flight, Cathy shared her enthusiasm:“WOW! What […]
Spring Valley JROTC Thanks Rick Mantei
APRIL 11, 2025
Rick Mantei Cheers on Daughter Sara at Valley to the Sea 5K in Maui
APRIL 8, 2025 On a beautiful morning in Maui, Rick Mantei proudly supported his daughter, Sara, as she ran the Valley to the Sea 5K—a race known for its breathtaking ocean views, island energy, and unforgettable finish at one of Maui’s most scenic beaches. While Sara took on the course, Rick followed along in a […]
Future Doctors Take Flight: Rick Mantei Flies Two ROTC Cadets
March 26, 2025 This past Sunday, Rick Mantei had the privilege of taking two promising ROTC cadets from Spring Valley High School on an unforgettable flight in his PT-17 Stearman Biplane. Jaden Quinn, a senior with aspirations of attending medical school, and Berto Lopez-Silvas, a junior also planning to pursue a career in medicine, experienced […]
Rick & Lisa Mantei Support the Arts at South Carolina Ballet’s – Giselle
Rick and Lisa Mantei recently attended Giselle, a stunning performance by William Starrett’s South Carolina Ballet in Columbia. As benefactors of the production, they were proud to support the arts and help bring world-class performances to the local community. Rick has long believed in the power of the arts to inspire and enrich lives. Together […]