Flying in her 11-year-old Cessna airplane with “Spirit of Columbus” emblazoned on its side, Jerrie Mock was the first woman to fly solo around the world. More than just the name of a plane that made history, The Spirit of Columbus is what distinguishes and inspires us today. From the arts to business, from restaurants to neighborhoods, from Sunday to game day, The Spirit of Columbus fuels and defines us today more than ever.
Listen below to a personal message from historymaker Jerrie Mock.
Watch and share the short video now:
Featuring the vocals of Columbus singers Emily Rogers, Amber Knicole, Jen Miller, and fifth grader Sophia Lenhart. Star Spangled Banner by Jake Shimabukuro.
When Jerrie Mock climbed into her single engine Cessna, “Spirit of Columbus,” on a bright March day nearly 50 years ago, she flew off into history. The 38-year-old Bexley housewife and mother of three took off from Port Columbus on March 19, 1964, on a mission to become the first woman to fly solo around the world. When she landed safely after 29 days and more than 22,000 miles, she was widely celebrated for her amazing feat.
Collectively, our community is comprised of visionaries who exemplify the determination, dedication, and commitment to achieve remarkable things. This is The Spirit of Columbus—and Jerrie is a defining example of that spirit.
Read about Jerrie Mock and other inspiring stories in the Foundation’s current issue of NEXUS.
Information about more than 600 local nonprofits is available 24/7 through the Foundation’s online resource, PowerPhilanthropy, which is available to everyone who wants to be more informed about nonprofits before they give. PowerPhilanthropy makes it easy to donate to the causes you care about at columbusfoundation.org/p2/.
Follow us on Twitter at @colsfoundation and like The Columbus Foundation on Facebook.