WICHITA AERO CLUB HONORS LOCAL BUSINESSMAN FRED BERRY WITH ANNUAL TROPHY
WAC Trophy Gala raises funds for educational initiatives
WICHITA, KAN. (Feb. 4, 2025) –This weekend at its annual trophy gala, the Wichita Aero Club (WAC) honored Fred Berry as the recipient of the 2024 Wichita Aero Club Trophy.
As a pillar of the Wichita business and aviation communities, Fred Berry has embodied leadership, success, and generosity. His vision, innovation, and utilization of corporate aviation helped him grow the Berry Companies into a respected national enterprise. During his tenure, he has owned and operated more than two dozen aircraft in the conduct of his business and has contributed consistently to Wichita’s aviation community through the Berry Foundation and sharing his time, acumen, and pride in the Air Capital of the World.
Click here to learn more about the WAC Trophy and view a listing of prior recipients.
More than 250 people attended the event at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center, which was emceed by Nicole Alexander, Club President, and Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair, Trophy Committee Chair and Greteman Group President. Attendees enjoyed hearing Fred’s stories of being an aviator, entrepreneur, community supporter and proud family man.
Since its inception, the Aero Club has distributed more than $100,000 to support educational endeavors at all levels based on the funds raised through this event and other WAC initiatives. This includes awarding college-level and technical college-level scholarships and numerous grants ranging from elementary school projects to adult educational pursuits.
This year’s Gala was supported by these sponsors: Airbus Americas, the Berry family and friends, AssuredPartners, Bombardier, Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation, the Cosmosphere and National Institute for Aviation Research. The venue sponsor was B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center.
PHOTO ATTACHMENTS:
Photo credit: Alex Unruh | T&J Studios
Trophy Gala Presentation (L to R): Ashley Bowen Cook, WAC Board Chair; Fred Berry, 2024 WAC Trophy recipient; Nicole Alexander, WAC President
WAC Trophy Recipients Over the Years (L to R): Ron Ryan, Fred Berry, Al Higdon, and Paul Bowen
About the Wichita Aero Club: The Wichita Aero Club was established in 2008 to foster and promote interest in aviation, to provide a forum that focuses on the industry’s issues and achievements, and to bring together those with a passion for flight in an environment that expands and enhances professional relationships and furthers cooperation and understanding. Learn more at wichitaaero.club.