Donor Stories

Endowment Pays Tribute to Tireless 'Tag Team'

Together they brought to life some of the Museum's most iconic buildings, structures and exhibits — the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery, and the Aviation Pavilion, to name just a few. Now, thanks to an endowment named in their honor, the legacy of two longtime Museum trustees to grow and improve The Museum of Flight will continue for generations to come.

The Aldarra Foundation, which exists to fulfill the philanthropic wishes of Bill and June Boeing, created the H. Eugene McBrayer and Edward J. Renouard Endowment for Campus Enrichment in 2021.

"Aldarra and its Trustees were honored to establish this named endowment," says Tammy Miller, the foundation's Executive Director. "The growth of the Museum's infrastructure is a primary reason for its world-class reputation; yet to maintain the facility's excellence requires perpetual attention, care, and funding."

One example of that care — 20,000 square feet of non-slip walking paths were installed in the Aviation Pavilion this year, improving the safety of thousands of museum visitors.

Now Emeritus members of the Museum's Board of Trustees, the tireless 'tag team' of Gene and Ed are thrilled with the Aldarra gift. "It was such an important one for the Museum and its long-term excellence," says Gene. "And it was a deeply meaningful tribute for which I will be forever grateful."

Ed adds, "To have our names forever associated with the Museum we love and for an endowment dedicated to the buildings and campus we helped to grow is an indescribable honor."

"Gene and Ed gave so much of their time and expertise to create The Museum of Flight we know today," notes Matt Hayes, President and CEO. "Through Aldarra's generosity, we can now ensure the product of their labors will be supported for future generations."

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