Sole Stepping Fundraiser Soars to New Heights at Aiken Regional Airport
Atul Makharia and his team recently organized another Sole Stepping event, this time at Aiken Regional Airport on 10/7/2023. Rick Mantei made a generous contribution, alongside Atul and other attendees, offering their support through varying donation amounts. Here Atul and his team are pictured with Kara Jefferson and her daughter with Sole Stepping, holding up […]
Rick Participates Giving Plane Rides to Thank Midwest Food Bank Volunteers
Rick Mantei (third from right) stands with volunteers from the Georgia branch of Midwest Food Bank. The Falcon Field Regional Airport in Atlanta got a burst of energy on Saturday, September 11th upon the arrival of Rick Mantei and John Wilcox as they met a group of spirited volunteers from Midwest Food Bank in Peachtree […]
Rick Mantei Attends Special Olympics Charity Event
On May 21st, Rick Mantei raised over $1,000 for Happy Hour’s Special Olympics program in Warner Robins, Ga. Mantei was able to raise so much money for the event by selling flights to those in attendance. In additional to the many flights Mantei gave that afternoon, he also flew the program director at Happy Hour, […]
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