AMA News District IV - 2009/02
Fly For Tots 2008
The Raleigh-Durham Radio Control Club (RDCRC) of Raleigh, North Carolina, held its annual Fly For Tots event September 20–21, 2008. In 2007 the club netted more than $17,000 and club president Larry Lewis set a goal of $20,000 for 2008. RDCRC not only met the goal but surpassed it, raising more than $27,500. This will be a special challenge for 2009.
Prizes for the event were donated by many merchants — it would have taken two pickup trucks to haul them. There were more than 205 registered pilots, helicopter rides both days, and various merchants and food vendors, all of whom donated a percentage of their sales to the charity event.
Jeff Foley donated several rides in a World War II Stearman PT-17 for a raffle. The club did not receive any of the proceeds; all funds were donated to the Victory Junction Gang, an organization started by Kyle Petty for special-needs kids.
Heartwarming Highlights
One particularly moving moment was the presentation of a check for more than $2,200. A group of children from a nearby church had attended last year, learned about the event, and wanted to participate. Since then they built a radio-controlled airplane and raised the donated money through yard sales — a wonderful project by those youngsters.
Another memorable event was a reenlistment ceremony for a soldier preparing for his fourth tour of duty. All veterans were asked to participate; the soldier was sworn in by a fellow officer from his unit. The two oldest veterans present, including Doug Holland, AMA executive vice president, were asked to hold the American flag during the proceedings. More than 100 veterans participated.
Notable Attendees
- Dave Mathewson, AMA president, and his wife, Ginger
- Doug Holland, AMA executive vice president
- Bliss Teague, AMA District IV vice president, and his wife, Shirley
- George Abbott, District IV associate vice president
- David Jones, District IV associate vice president
Activities and Exhibits
The Radio Active Show Team attended with its simulator trailer. Team members performed a noontime demonstration by flying an airplane while pulling the AMA flag. The simulator trailer was well attended, with both children and adults trying their hand at flying; the smiles when they finished said it all.
If you are in the Raleigh area next September, put this event on your to-do list — you will be glad you did.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all the District IV volunteers whose dedication and hard work help make this hobby what it is. When you see them, please thank them as well.
Go teach a kid to fly.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
