DONATIONS AND RECOGNITION
By Rusty Kennedy, AMA Foundation Chairman | rusty k716@gmail.com
The AMA Foundation’s task is to raise funds for the AMA Endowment and its broad range of programs that support AMA members and clubs.
When I visit clubs or go to events, members read my name tag and ask, “What is the AMA Foundation?” That opens the door for me to talk about the foundation. There are many ways to donate, and my favorite is the Torchbearer Program (https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amafoundation/pass-the-torch). I am a Torchbearer and I give $100 per month. My money goes into the Foundation General Fund. The Torchbearer program is the easiest way for me to regularly donate.
Charitable bequests is another excellent way to donate. Information is available at https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amafoundation/charitable-bequests. If you would like more information, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with someone who can explain the programs to you.
The AMA Foundation had a great first quarter, raising approximately 38% of its 2022 goal of $300,000. From January to April 2022, we received more than 700 individual gifts.
In addition to the previously mentioned donation programs, there are many ways that you can help the foundation meet its goal: make a one-time or monthly gift at www.modelaircraft.org/donate; select the AMA Foundation as your charity on AmazonSmile; make a donation when you renew your membership; or hold a club fundraiser event and donate the proceeds to the foundation.
Join the AMA Foundation in celebrating model aviation for the 10th annual National Model Aviation Day on August 13, 2022. National Model Aviation Day was created to encourage clubs to celebrate the hobby and share it with the public.
Clubs do not have to sanction their events. We simply ask that at https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/modelaviation-day/register-your-event for National Model Aviation Day. Registration costs nothing.
AMA chartered clubs have been asked to conduct a fundraiser and donate to a worthy cause. This year, I’m asking clubs to raise funds for the AMA Foundation, but money raised can be for any cause that the club wants to support.
The AMA is devoted to inspiring the young and young-at-heart to pursue a hobby that will inspire creativity and advanced learning through the use of hands-on applications.
AMA Heritage and Legacy Society Donor Robert Studinski bequeathed more than $75,000 to the AMA Foundation Endowment fund. The AMA Foundation is recognizing and honoring him with a permanent bench at Site 1. The bench will feature an engraved plaque.
The AMA Foundation naming rights campaign, Where Will You Land?, has raised more than $100,000 since its launch in July 2021. Learn more about how to put wings on your legacy at www.modelaircraft.org/land.
