Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and the directors of the Cradle of Aviation Museum have announced a major initiative to ensure the museum remains a vital part of the county's cultural life.

To remedy the museum's current financial difficulties, Suozzi is recruiting new members to serve on the museum's board of directors and is challenging board members to raise $2 million to help keep the museum viable.

"We are going to do whatever it takes to keep the Cradle of Aviation open," Suozzi said. "This institution - which some aviation experts say rivals the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum - is a wonderful educational resource, right here in Nassau County. It's also a vital fixture on Museum Row. We need to make sure it not only survives - but thrives well into the future. And we are looking for people with the 'right stuff' to help us achieve this goal."

Suozzi is seeking 10 individuals to serve as board members who will agree to raise or donate $100,000 each. In addition, the county executive is seeking "super donors" to raise an additional $1 million. The museum's leadership and Suozzi anticipate the unveiling of a long-term restructuring plan by Nov. 9, the date of the Cradle of Aviation's annual Air & Space Gala. The Nov. 9 fundraiser will honor Mercury 7 Astronauts Scott Carpenter, John Glenn and Wally Schirra. In addition, Dan Berlin, chairman/CEO of Arkwin Industries, Inc., will receive the Leroy R. Grumman Award at the Gala and Donald E. Axinn, founder, chairman and CEO of Donald E. Axinn Companies, will receive the Community Service Award. Please contact Carol Nelson at 516 572 4026 for more information about the gala.

The Cradle of Aviation's current leadership praised the county executive for stepping in to try and shore up the museum's finances. "I applaud County Executive Suozzi's efforts to stabilize and rejuvenate this institution that truly belongs to the people," said Ray Jansen, the former Newsday publisher who is president of the Cradle's board of directors. "I am confident that the current Board members will do everything possible to propel this museum to its anticipated heights," he said.

Suozzi's has appointed Chief Deputy County Executive Christopher Hahn as the administration's point person to lead the effort to save the museum.

The museum's ten permanent exhibits chart the history of flight, from the early days of kites and hot-air balloons, through flight's Golden Age in the early 20th century, to the race to the moon - and beyond. It also spotlights Long Island's crucial role in the history of aviation. In addition, the museum hosts special exhibits and educational programs, and is home to Long Island's only IMAX Dome Experience theater.

"With this fundraising initiative, we will inspire future generations to look to the sky and reach for the stars," said Suozzi.