The Angels Above Foundation (AAF) is the operating entity of the Estes Park Memorial Observatory. It came about as a result of Mike and Carole Connolly and Michele Johnson wishing to build an observatory in honor of Mike and Carole's children and Michele's siblings, Thomas and Christian Connolly who died July 2, 2005 in a traffic accident. The reason for building an observatory is that the Connollys all have a background in science, math and astronomy. Specifically, Mike, a retired engineer from Lockheed Martin Corporation, spent many a night with his children viewing stars and planets. Because of this family interest and the tragic death of Thomas and Christian, the concept of a memorial observatory came into being.
The AAF is utilizing the concept of the Little Thompson Observatory ("LTO") located in Berthoud, Colorado. The LTO built an observatory on land owned by the Berthoud School District. The LTO operates the facility and it is used for education of school students and general public. The Connollys approached the Park R-3 School District about the concept of the AAF building an observatory on property the school district would donate. The operation of the completed observatory will be done by the AAF and expenses associated with insurance and utilities will be paid by the school district in exchange for the observatory being offered to school district students and the general public as an educational resource.
The school district and the AAF entered into a letter of understanding outlining the school district's donation of property and later contribution of utility and insurance payments as well as an existing telescope which the school district owns. The AAF will provide the building and maintenance and operation of the observatory for the use of students of the school district as well as the general public. The Observatory will be used by the school district in their science curriculum and as a tool to encourage learning by students and members of the public in principles of science, math and astronomy.
Funding for the AAF will be done by soliciting grants and donations from large corporations and members of the public interested in supporting education in science, math and astronomy. Also, contributions will be provided to the AAF by individuals and businesses as a remembrance of Thomas and Christian.