Air Show Gives Back More Than $71,000 to Valley Youth Organizations and Charities

September 11, 2016

Eight youth organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley have been presented with donations totaling $57,000 from the 2016 Thunder in the Valley Air Show.

The presentation took place during the “kick-off” planning meeting for the 2017 Thunder in the Valley Air Show on September 8.

Checks were presented to the executive directors of the following youth organizations and programs:

Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America
EAA Chapter 677 – Young Eagles Program
Ft. Benning Santa’s Castle
Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office – Rising Star Program
Russell County Child Advocacy Center
Storybook Farm
The Literacy Alliance

The Thunder in the Valley Air Show also provides fundraising opportunities for youth groups through the operation of air show concessions, carnival activities and other needed duties; and tickets for youth groups, Wounded Warriors and trainees from Ft. Benning, enabling soldiers and underprivileged youth to experience the show. $14,700 in contributions and tickets were donated to 12 youth groups and 860 soldiers, bringing the total contribution to area charities and causes to $71,700.

The mission of the air show is to raise funds for youth organizations throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Thunder in the Valley Air Show is a non-profit event managed and operated by more than 300 volunteers each year. The air show brings in top performers from across the United States, all paid for by local and regional supporters.

“The 2016 Thunder in the Valley Air Show was one of the best in the air show’s 19-year history,” said Phaedra Childers, event coordinator. “Our success is measured by the dollar amount we are able to donate from the proceeds of the air show. This year ranks as the fourth most profitable year for the Thunder in the Valley Air Show, and exceeded last year’s contribution by 97 percent.”

Mark your calendars for the 2017 Thunder in the Valley Air Show on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 at the Columbus Airport. The line-up of performers and static displays will be announced in January.