The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Building Lives Benefit is soaring to new heights.

Doing away with the standard banquet-hall occasion, BGCNWI is offering guests an up-close and personal preview Thursday of the 50th annual Chicago Air Show.

The event includes a chance to watch stunt pilots in action and to sample hot wings, guacamole, French pastries, imported cheeses and more at a multicultural reception.

"This is a great opportunity for people who don't usually get to go," chairwoman Doris Leaf said. "They'll have ringside seats."

And they can thank supporters Don and Alice Burrell for the chance to view the choreographed show a day before the annual lakefront event. The Burrells donated their hangar at Gary/Chicago International Airport to the organization as a unique venue for the benefit.

"They were kind enough to open their hangar," said Alison Martin, interim vice president of development and marketing, BGCNWI. "It's going to be stunning. In addition to watching the stunts, supporters can meet the pilots. And all the proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs."

The idea for this "Soaring to New Heights" fund-raiser came to life when several board members suggested making the benefit unique and different.

"Air shows are always spectacular and appeal to both children and adults," Leaf said. "That's why the committee jumped at the opportunity to host such an event that will give our supporters something a little more than the usual black-tie fundraising event."

Gregory Reinholt, senior club director for the Hammond location, said the event -- formerly just a dinner -- was a wonderful opportunity. "It's a departure. It's unique," he said.

The Hammond Boys & Girls Club is averaging 250 to 350 kids a day.

"Which is huge," Reinholt said. "It's a critical time in the economy and a lot of parents are not sending their kids to expensive camps farther away from home. We've gotten the word out about the Boys & Girls Clubs. At $10 a day, that's a good deal."

Leaf, a Boys & Girls Clubs supporter for 20 years, recalls growing up and initially thinking of the clubs as "just a gym." "They're not," she said. "They take care of kids. There are educational benefits and it's a safe place to go."

Events such as the air show preview/fundraiser will ensure there will always be that place for kids to go.

"Soaring to New Heights" is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Burrells' hangar at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. Guests can park free at the airport.

Five food stations will offer the specialties of Italy, China, Latin America, France and the United States. St. John's Liquor and Calumet Breweries will respectively furnish wines and beers to complement the food and Pepsi will provide soft drinks.

Tickets are $250, limited, and will not be sold at the door. Reserve tickets in advance by visiting http:www.bgcnwi.org or (219) 881-1060, ext. 404.