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AMA Foundation Receives Second Major Gift From Ronald Hesselbrock

The AMA Foundation has received a second major gift, in the amount of $140,000, from Legacy Society Member Ronald Hesselbrock. The AMA and AMA Foundation would again like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock for this generous gift. As stated in his will, these donations will be applied toward AMA's general scholarship fund, the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship fund. This gift will continue to leave a major impact on the lives of future students who continue to be involved in the model aviation community. Read more about Mr.

 

The AMA Foundation has received a second major gift, in the amount of $140,000, from Legacy Society Member Ronald Hesselbrock. The AMA and AMA Foundation would again like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock for this generous gift. As stated in his will, these donations will be applied toward AMA's general scholarship fund, the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship fund. This gift will continue to leave a major impact on the lives of future students who continue to be involved in the model aviation community. Read more about Mr. Hesselbrock and his gifts HERE.

Herbert Bone Bestows Major Gift to National Model Aviation Museum

The AMA Foundation has received a bequest of more than $171,000 to support the National Model Aviation Museum.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Herbert Bone for his generous estate gift. Herbert is a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation. Herbert had a lifelong passion for model aviation, trains, and Disney, specifically Mickey Mouse. He was a United States Army Veteran and a loving husband, father, and family member.

 

The AMA Foundation has received a bequest of more than $171,000 to support the National Model Aviation Museum.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Herbert Bone for his generous estate gift. Herbert is a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation. Herbert had a lifelong passion for model aviation, trains, and Disney, specifically Mickey Mouse. He was a United States Army Veteran and a loving husband, father, and family member. Herbert was loved by his family, friends, and community, was an active member of the Boeing Hawks RC Club, and was a long time member of the Marymoor MARCs (1970's-2020). He was also a docent at the Seattle Museum of Flight, with over 3,000 volunteer hours. Before passing, Herbert wrote a reflections project that looked back on his life: My Story, P&T&MM. Herbert's contribution will have a lasting impact on the National Model Aviation Museum, allowing it to continue as a world-class experience. We are honored to carry Herbert's legacy forward.

Casper Airmodelers Association Use Take Off and Grow Grant for Event

Casper Airmodelers Association recently received an AMA TAG Grant for $400 and used the funds to host their annual Come Fly With Us event. The following is what the the group had to say about their event:

 

Casper Airmodelers Association recently received an AMA TAG Grant for $400 and used the funds to host their annual Come Fly With Us event. The following is what the the group had to say about their event:

"Casper Airmodelers Association held their annual Come Fly With Us event on June 13, 2020 and despite the 20 - 30 mile per hour winds, the event was a success. There were 9 registered students ranging in age from 6 - 60 who were able to fly at least a couple of times each. These students were guided by three instructors who battle the winds to get stick time for the students. Because of this event, three of the students want to pursue the aviation experience further and have been set up with club instructors. One of these young students plans to be an airline pilot. A simulator was also set up for folks to fly for the first time or maybe get in more stick time between flights. For lunch, burgers were grilled for all the participants and folks who helped make this event a true success. All registered students had a chance to win a flight simulator that was given away as a drawing. This year it happened to a father-son duo. A huge thanks to our awesome trainer pilots, Ray Beevers, Jon Saulsbury and Jerry Travers. Also, a shout out to Shannon Bastian for getting all the supplies and handling the registration. The burgers were cooked to perfection by chief cook Ray and his assistant Joey Travers. And last but not least by any means, Dave Pelton for his expertise and use of his computer and simulator."

Register your club to celebrate National Model Aviation Day

Join the AMA Foundation in celebrating the ninth annual National Model Aviation Day, August 15, 2020!

 

Join the AMA Foundation in celebrating the ninth annual National Model Aviation Day, August 15, 2020!

National Model Aviation Day was created to encourage clubs to celebrate their hobby by sharing it with their communities. Year after year, clubs use this day to raise money for the AMA Foundation and other charities close to their heart. Donations made to the AMA Foundation are used to inspire the young and young-at-heart to pursue a hobby that will inspire creativity and advanced learning through the use of hands-on applications. Read what District X Associate Vice President Jim Mohan has to say about this day of fun and celebration:

Our celebration [of National Model Aviation Day] is our club’s chance to reach out to neighbors and invite those in the area to come out and enjoy a nice day with RC model flying, food, and a chance to fly one of the club’s trainers under the supervision of an instructor. Activities also include several raffles used as fundraising tools. National Model Aviation Day falls during the hottest part of the summer in the Phoenix area. With that in mind, the Arizona Model Pilots Society (AMPS) shifts its celebration to November when the weather better cooperates with outdoor activities. 

This past year, our event outreach and advertising resulted in roughly 30 registered pilots, but more importantly, nearly 100 guests stopped by to take in the activities. Approximately 25 visitors of all ages took advantage of the opportunity to fly an RC airplane. Several current club members got their start with model aviation as guests at our open house and National Model Aviation Day celebration.

Supporting the AMA Foundation on NMAD is a “no-brainer.” 

Although there are many worthy causes supported by several excellent groups, celebrating National Model Aviation Day calls for dedicating proceeds to the AMA Foundation. Last year, raffle proceeds allowed us to contribute $500 to the AMA Foundation. The foundation’s support of a variety of model aviation causes and activities provides clubs like ours the opportunity to contribute without the extra work of vetting and determining which activities deserve financial backing.

Having recently received an AMA Flying Site Improvement Grant, AMPS’ ongoing support of the AMA Foundation is one way to pay it forward to provide funding for other clubs and their projects. 

-Jim Mohan, AMPS president & District X associate vice president 

Register your club to participate or Find an Event at https://modelaviationday.com/

  For more information, contact: Kelsie Walker (kelsiew@modelaircraft.org) or Austin Perlee (austinp@modelaircraft.org).

2020 Grants Awarded!

A total of $56,069.32 has been awarded in grants.

Congratulations to the 2020 recipients of the Flying Site Improvement Grant and the Take Off and Grow Grant.  

 

A total of $56,069.32 has been awarded in grants.

Congratulations to the 2020 recipients of the Flying Site Improvement Grant and the Take Off and Grow Grant.  

Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG)

26 clubs were awarded Flying Site Improvement grants in 2020! AMA established the Flying Site Improvement Grant program to invest in the continued improvement and growth of AMA chartered clubs and fields. Grant funding is provided through an allocation of membership dues each year as well as from funding from the AMA Foundation. These clubs are making a difference in the model aviation community, and the communities in which they operate. This year, $41,464.32 was awarded.

ClubAmount 

Rhode Island Aeromodelers $1,538.36

Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles R/C Club $2,621.75

Brauer's Aviators $441.35

Fairfield League of Yankee Radio Controllers  (FlyRC) $393.20

Anderson Flyers RC Club $533.58

Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club $3,000.00

Charlotte Aeromodelers $3,000.00

District of Columbia Radio Control (DCRC) Club $972.00

Bay City Flyers $3,000.00

Blount County Model Aviators $1,135.00

Seminole Radio Control Club $1,811.00

Flying Cardinals of Northern Kentucky $1,841.75

Fort Wayne Flying Circuits $377.00

Henderson RC Model Airplane Club $516.57

Mid-Missouri Radio Control Association $1,660.47

Midwest Air Wing R/C Club $3,000.00

Des Moines Modelaires $1,298.35

Flying Pilgrims $1,606.82

Lake County Modelers and Flyers Association $3,000.00

Wausau RC Sportsmen $1,476.00

ARF RC Flying Club $516.50

Good Ole Okies Flying Society $1,090.00

Sky Corral R/C Club $1,940.75

Silent Electric Fliers of San Diego $496.45

Tri Valley RC Modelers $3,000.00

Puget Sound Silent Flyers $1,197.42

   

Take Off and Grow (TAG) Grant

23 clubs were awarded Take Off and Grow Grants in 2020! AMA awards up to $1,000 to clubs that implement a Take off And Grow (TAG) program in their local communities. TAG programs provide newcomers to model aviation an opportunity to learn about the hobby as well as practice flying model aircraft with experienced club members. TAG grants are awarded each year, thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. This year, $14,605.00 was awarded.

Club NameAmount

Aeroguidance Society$790.00

Meroke Radio Control$1,000.00

Penn Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (PORKS)$800.00

Valley City R/C Club, Inc.$1,000.00

Holly Springs Skyhawks Radio Control Group$800.00

Johnston County Aeromodelling Club$1,000.00

Largo Flying Club$500.00

Flagler City Radio Aero Modelers$800.00

Stone Mountain Radio Control Flyers$500.00

Henderson Radio Control Model Airplane Club$715.00

Madison Area Radio Control Society (MARCS)$500.00

Lake County Modelers & Flyers$500.00

Milan Flyers$400.00

Capital Area Radio Drone Squadron$400.00

Corsicana R/C Flyers$300.00

Richardson Radio Control Club$1,000.00

Casper Airmodelers Association$400.00

Rapid City Propbusters$500.00

Longmont Electric Aircraft Flyers, LEAF$500.00

Lincoln Sky Knights$400.00

Casa Grande RC Flyers$1,000.00

Oasis Flyers (Flying Aces)$800.00

   

 

2020 Scholarships Awarded!

Thirteen students awarded a total of $50,000 for academic pursuits The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has helped graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000 each year. This year, $50,000 was awarded to students. Student scholarships are awarded each year thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. AMA has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships since founding the scholarship program.

 

Thirteen students awarded a total of $50,000 for academic pursuits The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has helped graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000 each year. This year, $50,000 was awarded to students. Student scholarships are awarded each year thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. AMA has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships since founding the scholarship program. Award designations are set by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which is made up of model aviation pilots and enthusiasts. The committee evaluates each application and ranks it based on GPA, community involvement, model flying experience, and model flying competition participation. AMA and its foundation want to thank each family that has contributed to the memorial scholarships, as well as the hundreds of other donors to the scholarship program. Without their generous contributions, these gifts would not be possible. AMA would like to congratulate the following students who have been selected this year to receive the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship and other scholarships: Matthew J. Harmon (Peachtree City, GA): $2,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Lucas Javier Gandarillas (Pembroke Pines, FL): $3,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Andrew Sabini: $1,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Benjamin Robert Mills (Ozark, MO): $5,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $1,500 Ryan Sherrow Memorial Scholarship Lily Gwendolyn Mikes (Oklahoma City, OK): $5,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Ethan Ater (Louisville, KY): $4,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Luke Young (Greenbrier, TN): $2,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Rylan Ritch (Magnolia, TX): $2,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Robert van Zyl (Peachtree City, GA): $1,500, Basil and Dorothy Cooper Memorial Scholarship Nicole Kane (Arlington Heights, IL): $7,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $500 Toledo Weak Signals Club Scholarship Jack Spencer Ireland Samson (Olympia, WA): $3,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Sabrina Fogel (San Diego, CA): $6,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $5,000, Clifford and Nancy Telford Memorial Scholarship Donnie Petsche (Chula Vista, CA): $4,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $500, Toledo Weak Signals Club Scholarship

Ronald Hesselbrock Leaves Major Gift For AMA Scholarship Fund

The AMA Foundation has received a gift of $135,000 to assist with scholarship efforts.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock,Oxford, Ohio,  for this generous gift. Ronald, a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation, requested these funds be allocated upon his passing. Ronald died on his birthday, Monday, July 22, 2019 at Westover Nursing Home in Hamilton, OH. Born July 22, 1948 in Cincinnati, he is the son of Loretta (nee Meyer) and Edward Hesselbrock. Ronnie had a passion for model aeronautics and built and flew model airplanes.

 

The AMA Foundation has received a gift of $135,000 to assist with scholarship efforts.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock,Oxford, Ohio,  for this generous gift. Ronald, a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation, requested these funds be allocated upon his passing. Ronald died on his birthday, Monday, July 22, 2019 at Westover Nursing Home in Hamilton, OH. Born July 22, 1948 in Cincinnati, he is the son of Loretta (nee Meyer) and Edward Hesselbrock. Ronnie had a passion for model aeronautics and built and flew model airplanes. Throughout his life, he enjoyed Ham Radio and competitive target shooting. He was active with the Butler County Sportsmen where he served as a Trustee, and he also helped with the 4-H Shooting Sports Club. Ronnie served in the Army National Guard of Ohio, and as a Reserve of the Army. He is survived by many cousins and was preceded in death by his parents. Ronald's contribution will  have a major impact on the lives of future students who participate in the model aviation hobby. Each year the AMA awards approximately $50,000 in scholarships to students pursing higher education. Ronald's gift will assist with these efforts for many years.

Remembering David R. Thomson

David R. Thomson passed away at Veranda Gardens Nursing Home on March 20, 2020. David Raymond Thomson was born March 24, 1926 to Norma Hucke Thomson and Procter Thomson. David was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (née Palm), his parents, his sister, Ruth Shapiro, and his brother, Procter Thomson, II. David is survived by his sons, Paul (Jennifer), of Cincinnati, and David (Barbara) of Winterville, NC. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Eric Thomson, of Boulder, CO, Karl Thomson, of Syracuse, NY, and Laura Thomson, also of Boulder. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

 

David R. Thomson passed away at Veranda Gardens Nursing Home on March 20, 2020. David Raymond Thomson was born March 24, 1926 to Norma Hucke Thomson and Procter Thomson. David was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (née Palm), his parents, his sister, Ruth Shapiro, and his brother, Procter Thomson, II. David is survived by his sons, Paul (Jennifer), of Cincinnati, and David (Barbara) of Winterville, NC. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Eric Thomson, of Boulder, CO, Karl Thomson, of Syracuse, NY, and Laura Thomson, also of Boulder. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He grew up in Wyoming, Ohio, attending Walnut Hills High School and Purdue University. After graduating as a mechanical engineer, he worked for Procter & Gamble, Sverdrup & Parcel, and at Fernald, where he was awarded a George Westinghouse Signature Award for his work in containing uranium dust. David spent many days with family and friends building and flying what he called, “toy flying machines.” He sang with the P&G Men’s Chorus and was a regular participant in Toastmasters. Later in life he became a Master Mason. When his sons joined Boy Scouts, he did too. He enjoyed many memorable trips with the scouts, backpacking throughout the western US. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302, (Modelaircraft.org/give) in honor of Dave’s passion for model aviation. Online condolences can be left at www.AMGFuneralHome.com.

CARES Act Information for Individual Charitable Giving

The AMA Foundation thanks each and every one of our donors for their continued support of AMA programs. We have compiled some information that might be helpful. This information is provided by Independent Sector, and provides important information on how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides incentives for charitable giving.

 

The AMA Foundation thanks each and every one of our donors for their continued support of AMA programs. We have compiled some information that might be helpful. This information is provided by Independent Sector, and provides important information on how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides incentives for charitable giving.

  • Donors may be eligible for a $300 universal charitable deduction: Permits individuals to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions to most charities in 2020 for those who do not itemize their deductions.
  • New changes on limitations for charitable giving: Suspends the limitation on deductions for cash contributions to most charities for individuals who itemize. Increases the limitation on deductions for similar contributions by corporations from 10% to 25% of taxable income. Also increases the limitation on deductions from 15% to 25% for contributions of food inventory.
  • The CARES Act temporarily waves required minimum distributions (RMDs) for all types of retirement plans for the year 2020.

The AMA Foundation encourages you to speak with your financial advisor on these updates. Things are evolving and changing every day, so please continue to monitor our website and others for important information.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we do our part to address COVID-19. The safety of our staff, members, and community are AMA’s top priority. Together we can work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and eventually life will return to normal. Please check our website /amafoundation/covid-19-update/ for more information.

Casa Grande Annual RC Air Show Collects More Donations Than In Past Years

The Casa Grande RC Flyers held their annual RC Air Show on Saturday March 14th, 2020. The crowd size was not the largest the club had seen, but that didn't mean the donations also decreased, in fact it was the opposite. During the event, more food was donated to the Casa Grande Food Bank than during the previous years.

 

The Casa Grande RC Flyers held their annual RC Air Show on Saturday March 14th, 2020. The crowd size was not the largest the club had seen, but that didn't mean the donations also decreased, in fact it was the opposite. During the event, more food was donated to the Casa Grande Food Bank than during the previous years. They also raised a large amount for Pets In Need Action League through the event. The event this year had demonstrations, seminars, races and more!

newspaper article about the event  

Learn more about the Casa Grande RC Flyers on modelaircraft.org.

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