Here is a submission from the Paducah Aero Modelers:
I have always encouraged members to take a kid flying. Recently, Philip Schuster had that opportunity. He took his nephew, Waylon Christy, to a flying event where they camped out and had a great weekend. Below is a picture of Waylon receiving his flight instruction. I believe Waylon is hooked for life! It was reported that someone said, “The boy is already flying better than his uncle!”
On June 2, 2018, regional pilots descended on the McCracken County Model Air Park in Paducah, Kentucky, to support the Paducah Aero Modelers annual Taking Flight for Charity fundraiser. Each year, the club selects a local charity as the beneficiary for its June event and this year it was the Purchase Area Sexual Assault & Child Advocacy Center (PASAC).
The mission of PASAC is to promote the health and well-being of the community by reducing the impact and prevalence of sexual violence. It provides comprehensive, traumainformed services assisting child and adult survivors of sexual violence through the entire process, from crisis through healing to long-term recovery.
The club, formed in 1960, introduced FPV drones for the first time during the event along with airplanes, helicopters, Control Line, and a Tiny Whoop FPV race course. One of the club’s flight instructors had a trainer airplane in the air all day with kids and adults alike getting an exciting introductory flight.
The club grills were going with burgers, hot dogs, and associated food items available for a donation. Raffle prizes from gift baskets, drones, helicopters, RTF, and ARF models were up for grabs.
The one-day event raised more than $2,000 to be donated in its entirety to PASAC. The Advocacy Center also received a matching donation from Fred Paxton Foundation Challenge for Charities.
Related information: See news below about AMA Youth member, Kaden Steckenrider. Model airplanes help 9-year-old Kaden soar beyond his obstacles (www.wpsdlocal6.com/2018/06/01/model-planeshelp-9-year-old-boy-soar-beyond-hisobstacles)!
If you enjoyed this month’s submissions and would like to see an event from your own club here, email me a short write-up with the word “magazine” in the subject line and attach a few high-quality digital pictures!
Gary Himes
Vice President District VI