5th Annual
Black Tie & Boots Gala

Tickets are officially on sale for the 5th Annual Black Tie & Boots Gala. Join us October 16 at 6 PM at River Ranch Stockyards for an unforgettable evening of remembrance, scholarship, and impact benefiting the CloudDancer Scholarship Foundation.

Whether you’re attending the gala or donating to support our mission, every contribution helps us continue changing lives through aviation scholarships and opportunities. Secure your tickets now, or donate to support the cause.

Together, we honor Ashton’s legacy while helping future aviators pursue their dreams.

What to Expect

The Black Tie & Boots Gala is the CloudDancer Scholarship’s flagship fundraising event and the single biggest night of the year for our mission. What started in 2022 as a gathering of 150 supporters at the CR Smith Museum has grown into one of the premier veteran-focused aviation charity events in the Southwest, raising over $660,000 across four galas to date.

This year’s event returns to River Ranch Stockyards in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, the same venue that hosted last year’s record-setting $234,000 evening. Expect a seated dinner, open bar, live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind experiences, keynote speakers from the military aviation community, and live entertainment throughout the night.

The highlight of every gala is the scholarship recipient announcement and the CloudDancer challenge coin ceremony — a deeply meaningful tradition where new recipients receive their coin alongside previous scholars, connecting generations of military aviators who have earned their wings through this program.

2026 Scholarship Commitment

Funds raised at this year’s gala directly support the 2026 scholarship class — our largest commitment yet. This year, we’re awarding 10 scholarships totaling $112,500 across two tracks:

Pilot Scholarships — Five awards of $17,500 each, disbursed at key milestones from first solo through check ride completion. These scholarships fund Zero-Time-to-Airline pilot training for veterans who have served our country and dream of flying.

AMT Scholarships — Five awards of $5,000 each, supporting Aviation Maintenance Technician certification. New for 2026, this track opens the door for veterans pursuing the technical side of aviation. Recipients who enroll at Thrust Institute of Maintenance may receive up to $10,000 in additional support.

Since its founding in 2021, the Ashton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship has raised over $675,000 and awarded scholarships to more than 20 military-connected aviators. Every ticket purchased and every dollar donated at the gala goes directly toward continuing that mission.