By Lookout Staff

September 19, 2014 – In 1924, Santa Monica took center stage when a squadron of U.S. Army Airmen took off from the bayside city and flew Donald Douglas cruisers 27,553 miles to complete the first flight around the world.

On Sunday, the Santa Monica History Museum will host a Gala Dinner at the historic Casa del Mar Hotel to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the historic journey.

Being honored at the event is Beverly Hoskinson, who led corporate employee-giving programs for 50 years that provided more than $100 million in funding for community services in Southern California through Douglas Aircraft Company, McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.

Also being honored is Angel Flight West, a non-profit volunteer-driven organization that for more 30 years has provided free emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions.

In addition, a memorial tribute will be paid to philanthropist and community leader Mark Benjamin, the late president & CEO of Morley Builders who died in an airplane crash this year.

Emmy Award-winning television writer and Producer Larry Balmagia – whose credits include writing for Cheers, Wings and M*A*S*H – will narrate the history of the famous flight that put Santa Monica on the map.

The Douglas Cruisers took off from Glover Field (now Santa Monica Airport) and when the flyers returned, Glover Field was covered with roses and they were mobbed by a huge crowd.

“I have always had the highest respect for Donald Douglas for his many accomplishments,” said Louise Gabriel, president of the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum. “He was one of the most iconic figures in the world.”

Each dinner attendee and ad subscriber will receive a Commemorative History Gazette Newspaper with photographs and details about the museum and the World Flight.

Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by a silent auction, dinner and entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies for the event is Eddie Guerboian, owner of Readers Fine Jewelers. 

Reservations for dinner are $150 each. Tables for eight or ten may be reserved. Please send checks to the Santa Monica History Museum, P.O. Box 3059, Santa Monica, California 90408.

For more information, contact Danielle Lewis at 310-395-2290, info@santamonicahistory.org or visit the museum’s website at santamonicahistory.org.