Rick Mantei Charitable Fund

Important Notice: This website is currently being updated to more accurately describe Rick Mantei and The Mantei Team’s community service, aviation outreach, and veteran appreciation activities. This site does not collect contributions, process contributions, issue tax receipts, or accept funds on behalf of any organization.

Soaring for a Cause: Giving Back with Plane Rides

This past Saturday, July 19th, we had the joy of hosting our event at the Aiken Municipal Airport—and what an incredible day it was.

Through the Mantei Team, we’ve always believed in giving back to the communities we care about. This event brought that mission to life in the most meaningful way. Families, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts came out to experience flights in vintage WWII aircraft—including our PT-17 Stearman and PT-26 Fairchild—that once trained iconic pilots like the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WAFs).

All support went directly to four incredible local nonprofits making a real difference:
We were proud to share the stories behind these historic planes and offer a flight experience that many will never forget. As one of our pilots said, “This airplane trained heroes—now it’s being used to honor and help new heroes in our own communities.”

To everyone who came out and volunteered, or simply helped spread the word: thank you. Your support is what keeps events like this possible.

We hope to see you there!