Bigger is better ... at least when it comes to the revival of a long-running swap meet and expo. The 2026 running of the Toledo R/C Swap & EXPO, held April 10-11, broke records on many levels. The AMA Foundation was thrilled to be part of the record-breaking experience.
One such milestone was set by the Friday night auction, with $6,846 being raised for the AMA Foundation. With more than 100 people attending, finding enough chairs and space in front of the stage quickly became challenging. There were several aircraft on display for potential bidders to view before the 7 p.m. event began, allowing them to get an early idea of what they might want. Many came to the auction with full wallets, knowing that some of the items sold would directly benefit the AMA Foundation.
When the auction opened, Henry "Hank" Rauhaus, Toledo R/C Swap & EXPO show organizer, welcomed everyone and reminded them that part of the proceeds would go to the AMA Foundation. Next, AMA Foundation Deputy Director Rachelle Haughn was introduced. She gave a brief speech about what programs the AMA Foundation supports, including those that are not well known, and encouraged attendees to become donors.
Shortly thereafter, Hank began describing the first item that was for sale. He served as the emcee throughout the event, providing colorful and funny descriptions of each item. An auctioneering company handled the bidding.
Items auctioned off at the Glass City Center in Toledo, Ohio, included aircraft designed by Carl Goldberg, various manufacturers, new airplanes in boxes, and assortment of parts, small engines, aircraft from each flying discipline, and airplanes built exclusively for the event. The offerings were donated by event organizers and volunteers, estates, and even the wife of the late Jeff Troy, who served as an author, builder, designer, and editor for Park Pilot magazine (now out of production), as well as a supporter of The Toledo Show in its early heydays (1955-2020).
By the time the auction ended 3 hours later, the AMA Foundation walked away with some new donors and a large gift from Du-Bro, which matched donations for one of the airplanes.
Many people visited the AMA Foundation booth the next day and asked Rachelle, AMA Administrative Assistant Katie Perry, and AMA Member Services Representative Darlenia Prow about the total raised through the auction. They were excited and felt the joy that only comes from giving, knowing that they had been part of reaching such a milestone.
Bottom: Darlenia Prow (L) and Rachelle Haughn
You can learn more about this year's Toledo R/C Swap & EXPO and the AMA Foundation's presence there in a future issue of Model Aviation magazine. An article about the history of this show can be found online.
