Leading charity events
From the Copilot's Seat by Gary Fitch, Executive Vice President
AMA has had a Leader Member (LM) program for many years. The job description was for volunteer members willing to assist the Academy, but it wasn't clearly defined beyond voting on AMA bylaws changes, which only LMs can do. In the past, when a member became a CD, he or she also received the title of Leader Member, which swelled the LM ranks but didn't accomplish much for the program.
LMs are the highest level of membership and are respected by the Academy. We are revitalizing our LM program and redefining the job's description and organization. Rusty Kennedy from Virginia is heading this project. Rusty is the chairman of the LM Committee and is working with the Executive Council, district associate vice presidents, and others to complete this task.
Rusty's goal is to develop this program so our LMs are informed AMA spokespersons familiar with our programs and working on AMA's behalf. LMs will still vote on changes to our bylaws, but we believe their value is far greater.
We would like our LMs to reach out to clubs to discuss AMA business so our members receive important information. Our ultimate goal is to have at least one LM per AMA-chartered club.
LMs must be Open members. The application is on AMA's website, or you can call AMA directly to obtain one. If you want to work closer with the Academy and its leaders, consider becoming an AMA LM.
In my July column, I mentioned the Wounded Warrior Project. This program is gaining momentum across the country, raising money to support our wounded veterans' needs. Enter the Staten Island Radio Control Modelers of Staten Island, New York (SIRCM). Club president Gary Rosenthal sent in this report.
The SIRCM club organized a spectacular event that hit close to home for many Americans: the Wounded Warrior Project Scale Fly-in. This is the second year that SIRCM has organized and hosted the event, and it will become one of SIRCM's annual events.
"The day started with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by X Factor contestant Brittneyann Accetta, and was attended by nearly 120 pilots, veterans, and spectators. The event was held at SIRCM's Field of Dreams flying site located in Staten Island, New York.
"All guests who attended the event were given the opportunity to try their hand at flying one of our club trainer planes. Our training pilots on-site for the day were:
- Gene Gavin
- Dan Basovitch
- Mike Insero
- Jon Gerber
"The interest was amazing, as 25 people registered for their free day of flight training.
"This AMA-sponsored event was a huge success, with the club raising $1,600 and a club member also donating $2,400 through his company. All proceeds collected were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
"Much of the advertising for the event was done via emails to neighboring clubs as well as postings on the club's website and Facebook page. Press releases were forwarded to local television station Channel 7 (ABC) community calendar, as well as NY1 (Cable Channel 1). Both of these broadcast stations ran news of the event on their morning programs. Online RC boards also posted the event to their respective calendars. Nearly 200 flyers and signs were posted around Staten Island to help promote the event.
"Donations were made by Futaba and our local hobby shop, Brownie's Hobbies, for raffle prizes. Food and signage were donated by local businesses Bagels and Buns and Carisma Large Format Printing, and a special thank-you goes to Dick's Sporting Goods on Richmond Avenue for providing a 20% discount on the purchase of drink and food coolers.
"If you are looking to attend a fantastic event and help a great cause, mark your calendars for next year: Sunday, June 2, 2013. For more information, go to our website at www.statenislandrcmodelers.org or our Facebook page (Staten Island RC Modelers)."
Imagine a flying club in New York City raising $4,000 for a worthwhile organization in only the event's second year, getting free publicity, and showing how they care for our veterans and their community. Well done, SIRCM!
For those clubs looking for a charity event to help sponsor, you won't find a better one than the Wounded Warrior Project!
Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster flying!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
