Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- It's time once again for The Annual Penkhus Hangar Party, an event that benefits the local JDRF office of Colorado Springs.

For Bob Penkhus and his wife Leslie finding a cure for juvenile diabetes became an important goal after watching a close friend and his family deal with the disease.

"He had a jar sitting on his mantle filled with all the needles that she's had to use to test herself and that just made such a statement," Leslie Penkhus said. "She just pulled on our hearts so much that we felt like we had to get involved."

Now each year they throw a hangar party featuring dozens of airplanes, exotic cars, and more.

"This is one of the most unique events that I can think of in Colorado Springs. Where can you go to see some of the top corporate aircraft? You'll be able to go in the aircraft and be able to sit in the seats and see what they look like and take a look at the most state of the art equipment," Bob said.

The event benefits the local JDRF office who reaches out to families in southern Colorado.

"Making sure to grab these kids and these families and let them know that they're not alone and they have lots of people out there that are going through the same thing as they are, but there are also a lot of people out there that just care who do not have a direct connection," Andi Chernushin, Event Chairperson, said.

Chernushin said letting the families know there are people who care is like giving them a hug.

"It's gonna be ok, and we'll get you through this," she said.

Last year the event raised around $40,000.

"I have literally seen a lot of new development come on the horizon, in fact it's right now in place. There are pumps that will monitor the blood sugar level of a child and keep them balanced throughout the day and that wasn't in existence five years ago," Bob said. "I've seen a lot of benefits come to the kids because of this effort, I think, and because of all the community pitching in and donating their dollars."

While the event is about having fun, it's also about having hope.

"There's a cure. It's out there. The research is amazing and it will happen. It will happen," Chernushin said.

"Anything that anybody can do makes a huge difference for finding the cure and that's what it's all about, that's why we do this," Leslie said.

The party is taking place Sunday, October 7.

It runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more info click here. 

To find out more about volunteering with JDRF click here.