Eight youth organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley will be presented with donations totaling $26,000 by the 2015 Thunder in the Valley Air Show. The presentation will take place during the “kick-off” planning meeting for the 2016 Air Show on October 8. The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Columbus Airport.
Checks will be presented to the executive directors of the following youth organizations and programs:
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Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home
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Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America
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EAA Chapter 677 – Young Eagles
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Ft. Benning Santa’s Castle*
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Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department – Rising Star Program
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Russell County Child Advocacy Center
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Storybook Farm
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The Literacy Alliance
*Check presentation to Ft. Benning Santa’s Castle will be held October 15 at Ft. Benning, GA.
The Thunder in the Valley Air Show also provides fund-raising opportunities for youth groups through the operation of air show concessions, carnival activities and other needed duties, as well as tickets for youth groups and Wounded Warriors and trainees from Ft. Benning, to afford soldiers and underprivileged youth the opportunity to experience the show. $10,600 in contributions and tickets was donated to 12 youth groups and 500 soldiers.
The Thunder in the Valley Air Show is a non-profit event managed and operated by more than 300 volunteers each year. Even though inclement weather caused the cancellation of the second-day performances for the second year in a row, the Air Show continues to hold up to its mission of assisting youth organizations in the valley-area.
“The community support for the Thunder in the Valley Air Show is truly amazing,” says Phaedra Childers, event coordinator. “We knew going into the weekend, the potential for last year’s weather pattern was real. The planning committee sprang into action with our media partners and encouraged spectators to plan for the better day. Our single-day attendance was up 27% compared to 2014. We remain grateful for the support of our sponsors, vendors, spectators and loyal volunteers.”
Mark your calendars for the 2016 Thunder in the Valley Air Show on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 at the Columbus Airport. The line-up of performers and static displays will be announced in January.
