Special Guest Feature: Reily Yerigan | Purpose Fueled Impact Day
Reily Yerigan took his first flight at 19, on the way to a college track meet in Texas. That flight changed the direction of his life.
Today he flies his own plane every week. Through Runway Rookies, the nonprofit he founded, he gives kids ages 7 to 18 the same thing that flight gave him.
Reily is one of two nonprofit founders featured at Purpose Fueled Impact Day, a new morning format where our community points its strategy, relationships, and resources outward.
For one morning, the room won’t ask what Runway Rookies’ budget looks like. It will ask what Reily actually needs, then go find it for him.
Here’s Reily, in his own words.
What do you actually do, the way you’d explain it to a friend over coffee?
I help share the adventure of aviation by giving kids ages 7-18 an opportunity to fly in a plane 100% free.
Why is your organization so important to you?
Growing up, I wanted things that often felt out of reach, and there were times I lost hope of a better future. My first flight was at 19, on the way to a college track meet in Texas. Today, I fly my own plane every week. Flying changed my life and my hope is that the experiences we share will inspire others to chase their own dreams
What’s the moment or decision that changed the direction of your life or career?
Growing up, I felt like life wasn’t fair. The moment I accepted responsibility for my circumstances was the moment I felt empowered to change my life.
What do you believe about solving hard problems that most people miss?
There is always a solution. No problem is unsurmountable.
What are you most proud of, in life, not just in work?
My life has always been about adventure, and my life experiences are my trophy case. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished, both personally and professionally, I earned every bit of it
How do your closest friends or family describe you?
Reliable, authentic, trustworthy, adventurous.
What are you most excited about for Purpose Fueled Impact Day?
I most excited to share our mission with other people who want to make an impact. I cant tell you how many kids have said things like “this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done” or “after today I want to be a pilot just like you Mr. Reily”
What are you hoping Runway Rookies or You’re Not Alone walks away with from this morning?
I hope we can get connected with some other organizations that are youth focused and plan a flying event for all their kids.
What’s a question you wish more people would ask you?
Why did you decide to start Runway Rookies?
Why did you become a pilot?
What’s your favorite flight mission?
Do you do any other volunteering outside of Runway Rookies?
Impact Day
Thursday, October 22, 2026. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Dual Citizen Brewing Company, 725 Raymond Ave, Saint Paul. Dunn Brothers Coffee has the coffee covered.
Only 100 seats. That is the entire room.
Purpose Fueled will match every dollar raised in the room, up to $1,000 for each nonprofit.
Learn more about Runway Rookies | Learn more about You’re Not Alone