Fundraising to save the L-1011's engines continues.  While we still have many more $ needed, we are happy and thankful to report the total raised just got a really nice "bump" this afternoon and it stands at just over $4,600!

Yet another twist in the saga of saving Elle's engines.  As of Friday we learned that the countdown is once again on and it is estimated that we have less than 14 days to raise the funds and save the engines.  As we have learned more about this whole process, it has become very clear that in addition to the advantage of having our plane with engine run up options (and perhaps even more) there is a cosmetic factor as well.  She simply will not look the same without them.  We are the ever hopeful and we are truly hoping another miracle is in the works for our Elle and her engines can remain.  You can make a donation by going to the Donation link and then under Airplanes.  Thanks for any help you can give!

Nothing new to report.  The fundraising to save the engines is continuing but is at this writing no where near what's needed.  On the other hand, we have not heard anymore about a date for a crew coming to remove the engines.  Now you know what we know.

Two fold news of our big beautiful L-1011.  First, it's Monday, the funds donated thus far to buy the engines on the plane now is nowhere near the amount needed.  However, there are some very passionate folks out there working on this and some rather interesting developments that we can't share yet.  We can say, the engines are still in place at this time.  We have heard that some folks are hesitant to donate because we have not stated that the donations are going into a "cookie jar" specifically for the L-1011 engines.  If all avenues fail and we are unable to keep functioning engines on our plane, all donors will notified and their donation returned.  The engine donation button can be found by scrolling down on this page or you can CLICK HERE to go to our Airplanes Donations page.

Second, although she has become known as Elle (Ellie), that is actually not her official name but rather the pet name our quirky Office & Events Manager, Gwyn Bowen, (I can say it because it’s me!) gave her to go with the names she has for all our planes (her car has a name too) and everyone heard on the videos.  The projected Grand Opening day for our L-1011 is April 17^th when she will officially be christened “Star of Kansas City” in honor of the late Frank Fitzgibbon, Captain on the Connie when she first came to Kansas City and his late wife, Toni.  She will always be Elle to Gwyn but going forward you will hear her use the correct pronunciation "L" as in Elle McPherson--another tall, beautiful model!

We have been made aware today that if we are able to save the engines, we have a much shorter window of opportunity than we thought.  If the funds have not been raised by this coming Monday morning, February 15th, it is very doubtful that we will be able to keep them.