An annual event by Mercy Flight Western New York has grown into more than just a fundraiser.

During the "Forever in our hearts, Johnny" Fundraiser, guests got a look behind the scenes of Mercy Flight WNY.

The air medical service transports nearly 6,000 critical patients annually.

The fundraiser started four years ago and organizers say it's helped to introduce aviation medicine to the public.

"Mercy Flight doesn't open the hangar doors to the public that often," said Medical Director Dr. Joshua Lynch.  "This is really kind of one of a few events throughout the year that the public is able to see what we do and see how things work."

The fundraiser was established in memory of Johnny Malcolm, an aviation admirer and supporter of Mercy Flight's mission.

Malcolm's mother Barbara told Spectrum News Johnny wanted to work for Mercy Flight before he passed in 2014.

She says the fundraiser is exposing others to the partnership between medicine and aviation.

"I think they don't realize there's opportunity for them to become a flight nurse, get into one of the programs, or even volunteer," said Barbara Malcolm. “Mercy Flight always needs help and I think that's vital to Mercy Flight being in our community."