Basketball fundraiser nurtures those who dream of flying

Family and friends of a young pilot killed in a plane crash are gathering this Saturday, April 26, to play basketball and raise funds to support young people who dream of flying. 

The event honors Paul Andre Mitchell, a 2011 Waltham High School graduate. Mitchell attended Dowling College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management in 2016. He was passionate about becoming a commercial pilot. In 2020 a twin-engine Piper PA23 he was piloting went down near Bautista Canyon in Riverside County, CA, killing him. Mitchell was 27 years old.

The Third Paul A. Mitchell Annual Basketball Game tips off at 1 p.m. at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, where Mitchell had worked at an after-school program during high school. In addition to the game, the event will offer raffles, games for younger kids and prizes. A portion of proceeds will go toward supporting young people who share Mitchell’s passion for flight.

Mitchell’s brother Mark recalls that “from the age of 2, Paul was interested in flying. He wanted to become a pilot when he first entered into the cockpit of an American Airlines plane – where he received his first wings from the captain of the plane.” 

Mitchell pursued his ambition, working in various positions for airline companies and airports through college and his professional career. He had racked up 1,000 hours of flight time just two months before his death. 

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for the event this Saturday. The Waltham Boys & Girls Club is at 20 Exchange St. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children. Details and QR codes to make donations are on the event flyer included below.

To learn more, visit the Paul A. Mitchell Foundation Facebook page.