OUR PROJECTS
Explore the heart of the Hefflin Legacy Foundation through our Project Gallery. From past events and celebrations to impactful fundraisers, these photos capture the vibrant moments that keep Leon Hefflin Sr.'s legacy alive.
Flashbacks & Fundraisers
Black Wings Children’s Museum Support
Hefflin Legacy Foundation is dedicated to continuing the support of the Black Wings Children’s Museum. HLF sponsors science events during the annual Open House, supports events during the Anniversary of its opening, and continues to inspire young people with science academies. These activities are built on the foundation of personality characteristics that Leon Hefflin demonstrated as an African-American entrepreneur.
The Black Wings Children’s Museum was officially opened on October 10, 2012, the same week the Space Shuttle was delivered to the California Science Center and was featured on Channel 4. The founder and lead of this project was Deborah Swan, who won a grant from UCLA to empower the staff development of teachers by strengthening the mandate of the Windsor Hills Math, Science, and Aerospace Magnet. The team, which included Jocelyn Johnson and Stephanie Sharif, created a proposal to create a museum on campus to showcase African-American contributions to aerospace. The vision of this project came from the experience Leon Hefflin’s granddaughter, the founder of HFL, had as one of the first African-American engineers to work on the first Space Shuttle at Rockwell International.
10th Anniversary of The Black Wings Children’s Museum
“Take Flight, Soar High” was the theme for the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Black Wings Children’s Museum held on October 10, 2022, sponsored by Hefflin Legacy Foundation. As part of the observation, HLF conducted tours over five days of the museum for the entire student body. Captain Sal Crocker, an elite African-American pilot and award-winning saxophonist, was the honored guest speaker, and he brought along Captain Xavier Palmer, who imparted some history of the Tuskegee Airmen. The event was attended by LAUSD officials, local business leaders, parents, teachers, and the entire student body. Student ambassadors welcomed guests and took part in the presentation ceremony. Official Recognition certificates were received from Mayor Eric Garcetti, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and Councilman Curren Price. HLF introduced its first recipients of the “Commander Lieutenant Rufus McCalister Award” to Louise Chavis and Victoria Bryant as outstanding volunteers to the organization who participate as docents every year. Gifts were presented to the museum, the speaker, and all the students. A reception was held afterward in the museum. HLF is deeply appreciative of its many supporters.
2022 Sip & Paint Fundraiser
The pandemic was still in the midst when Hefflin Legacy Foundation held an outstanding fundraiser on July 30, 2022. The setting for the Sip & Paint was in a beautiful garden with a waterfall creating an esthetic atmosphere. Allyson Williams, a professional artist, volunteered to conduct the painting demonstration and donated the paint, supplies, and wine glasses. A profitable silent auction with over 30 items was held simultaneously. The beautiful hostesses served delectable food from KiKi’s Kitchen, who also donated their services, and everyone had a marvelous time. HLF thanks everyone who attended, contributed and volunteered to make our event superb.
2023 Sip & Paint Fundraiser
With the success of the first Sip & Paint, everyone was asking for a second one! On June 24, 2023, Hefflin Legacy Foundation held its second fundraiser. This time around, Allyson Williams donated bud vases to paint along with the supplies. Our attendance doubled, along with an increase in monetary donations! Incredible silent auction donations included a signed Varnette Honeywood and a signed litho by Charles Bibbs, two original art pieces by Howard Ashton and Karen Sikie, and four elegant designer outfits by StormyWeather. A new addition this year was a raffle of unique items, and it was an astounding success. KiKi’s Kitchen outdid herself, and everyone was thrilled will the tantalizing food. We couldn’t have done it without the community's tremendous support.