Guests will enjoy handcrafted cocktails, exquisite cuisine, and live entertainment, all in support of our mission to help children reach the life-changing medical care they need. The evening’s highlight will see three generous couples board a private jet that very night, departing for a luxury weekend in Palm Springs, California, with elegant accommodations and private car service. Together, we’ll raise hope, fund futures, and take flight for the families who depend on Miracle Flights. Learn more about this year’s honorees by reading our release.
SOARée 2026
Palms and Planes
On Friday, March 27, 2026, Miracle Flights and Thrive Aviation invite you to an evening of purpose and celebration.
Child Ambassador: Luna
In this episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, co-hosts Robert Sanchez and Nicole Padberg Munkdale sit down with Sarah, mother of Luna, a courageous young Miracle Flights recipient and the 2026 Miracle Flights Child Ambassador.
Sarah shares the remarkable medical journey Luna has faced since being diagnosed at just nine months old with hypothalamic optic pathway glioma. Now nine years old, Luna has traveled extensively out of state in pursuit of specialized treatment, with the support of Miracle Flights. Chosen as the 2026 Child Ambassador for her extraordinary strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit, Luna continues to inspire all who meet her. Her story powerfully amplifies the mission of Miracle Flights, spreading hope and awareness through every mile.
Individual Navigator Honoree: Curtis Edenfield
In this episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, we sit down with Curtis Edenfield, CEO and Partner at Thrive Aviation. Under Curtis’s leadership, Thrive Aviation has been a dedicated supporter of Miracle Flights and our mission to provide children with access to life-saving, long-distance medical care. Through a longstanding partnership, Thrive Aviation has played a key role in the success of Miracle Flights’ largest annual fundraiser, SOARée, which has raised over $1 million to support families in need.
Curtis shares his lifelong passion for aviation, rooted in a strong family legacy, and the vision that helped him build Thrive Aviation into a thriving enterprise. He also reflects on the importance of giving back and how Thrive’s success has fueled meaningful community partnerships, most notably with Miracle Flights.
Healthcare Navigator Honoree: Dr. Matthew Dobbs
On this episode of The Miracle Flight Deck, hosts Robert Sanchez and Nicole Padberg Munkdale welcome Dr. Matthew Dobbs of the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute.
Dr. Dobbs has been named Miracle Flights’ 2026 Medical Honoree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization’s families and the field of pediatric orthopedics. In this episode, we get to know Dr. Dobbs on a more personal level — learning what inspired his journey into medicine and what drives his passion for helping children born with clubfoot.
Corporate Navigator Honoree: WHSmith North America
Miracle Flights is proud to announce WHSmith North America as our 2026 SOARée Corporate Navigator Honoree!
For nearly five years, our partnership with WHSmith North America has helped bring Miles the Bear to travelers nationwide, each purchase supporting Miracle Flights’ mission to provide free commercial flights for children who need life-changing medical care not available near home.
Co-hosts Robert Sanchez, VP of Operations, and Nicole Padberg Munkdale, Multimedia Producer at Miracle Flights, welcome Tara Towers, Vice President of Fashion Brand and Global Sourcing at WHSmith North America, to the Miracle Flight Deck.
Together, they’ll share the story behind this incredible partnership and the impact of every Miles the Bear purchased.
Previous Honorees
Trailblazer. Advocate. Visionary: Our 2025 Honoree
His First Voice. Their First Tears: Our 2025 Child Ambassador
Mary Beth Sewald, President and CEO of the Vegas Chamber, and Makenna as our Navigator Honoree and Child Ambassador.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors
SOARée In the News
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If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore sponsorship opportunities by connecting with us.
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