Jet Setters Ball ’25 Raises $700,000 for Lone Star Flight Museum

Event Honors LSFM Board Member, Community Leader, and Philanthropist Ralph B. Thomas  

Nearly 500 guests attended the Jet Setters Ball’ 25: Destination, Paris, helping to raise $700,000 to support the museum’s STEM-related programs, educational mission, exhibits, and a vast collection of military and commercial aircraft. Museum leaders and gala guests honored LSFM Board Member U.S. military veteran, business executive, and philanthropist Ralph B. Thomas.

Thomas grew up in a family of pilots. He became a licensed pilot at the age of 19 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas. In his 20s, he served in the Texas Air National Guard and was assigned to Ellington Airport. He served nearly 50 years as a business and financial strategist with Fayez Sarofim & Co., playing a key role in the organization’s huge success.

Thomas has served as a member of the LSFM board of directors for nearly 10 years. He has been instrumental in helping the museum to expand its educational and community engagement programs, and he generously supported programs and events designed to inspire future generations of aviators.

LSFM President and CEO Anna Hawley commented:  “Not only does Ralph serve as an impactful board member and generous donor for the Lone Star Flight Museum, but he also continues to fuel the museum’s focus on supporting our country’s veterans, celebrating Texas aviation history, and inspiring future leaders in the workforce. Collectively, our chairs, the host committee, board members, sponsors, staff, and our guests made this year’s gala a success. We are grateful to all of them for the enormous support.”

To support the Lone Star Flight Museum and to learn more about the STEM education programs and how to get involved, please visit LoneStarFlight.org or call the museum’s development office at 346-352-7678.

Photo: Daniel Ortiz