211,670.29 raised this year.
Help us reach our goal of of $400,000!
AMA Foundation Heritage and Legacy Society donor Robert A. Studinksi bequeathed more than $75,000 to the Foundation's Endowment Fund. The Academy of Model Aeronautics and the AMA Foundation would like to thank Robert Studinski and his family for this generous gift. The Foundation Endowment Fund provides funding in perpetuity to the AMA benevolent programs through annual earnings and returns, leaving the fund's corpus untouched.
Mr. Studinski's contribution will have a major impact on the future funding of programs at AMA and will ensure that we are able to continue upholding the joy of flight for modelers of all ages across the country.
If you would like to learn more about Robert's life and his history with model aviation, continue reading the obituary provided by his loved ones.
Mr. Studinski's contribution will have a major impact on the future funding of programs at AMA and will ensure that we are able to continue upholding the joy of flight for modelers of all ages across the country.
If you would like to learn more about Robert's life and his history with model aviation, continue reading the obituary provided by his loved ones.
Robert Ambrose Studinski passed away at his home in Benton, KY on February 24, 2020.
He was born on January 16, 1933 in Avon Lake, Illinois to Ambrose and Mary (Gorzella) Studinski.
Robert was in the Army from 1953 through 1955 and continued in the reserves until 1961. He served in Germany in the 2nd armored division. During that time he collected beer steins for himself and Hummel's for his mother.
Robert married Leah Cook on November 22, 1958 and they built a house in Big Rock, IL, where he worked for Lyon Metal Products in Montgomery, IL for 45 years. He started as a designer, and by the his time of retirement, he had become a Product Development Manager.
Robert and Leah, for their retirement, bought 16 acres in Benton, KY near Leah's sister, Vernyce Lawrence, and husband, Dean, where they built a home that included a barn with a loft.
Robert was a pilot and had a passion for airplanes. From an early age, he would build fly wire planes. Later in life he would buy RC kits that he equally enjoyed building. The barn and loft is where Robert spent a great deal of time building radio controlled model aircraft of all sizes from a wing span of 1 foot to a wing span of 6 feet. He enjoyed flying with a local flying club, and was an active AMA member.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Mary Studinski, and his wife Leah who passed away in July of 2014. He is survived by nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
As a recognized 501(c)3 organization, the AMA Foundation is one of the nonprofits Facebook users can choose to support through a special birthday fundraiser. We have had several people conduct these fundraisers online, including Randy Cameron, Executive Vice President on AMA’s Executive Council, and AMA Foundation Director of Development, Mandee Mikulski. 
How does it work? Facebook will automatically give users the option to host a birthday fundraiser right before your birthday. Simply select “Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation” on the list of charities. The money is collected and then sent to the AMA Foundation office about six weeks later. Because of Facebook privacy rules, donor information is not supplied to the AMA Foundation team. Please contact us to let us know you are hosting a fundraiser. We can then help share your fundraiser, and provide you with a donation credit following the receipt of the funds. We are also happy to provide each donor with recognition if this information is provided to us. Keep in mind these people are contributing for your birthday, so if we do not have donor information we will credit the entire amount to you. We think this is a great way to raise money for the AMA Foundation and also a great way to raise awareness for a cause you care about. Please call us if you have any questions at (765) 287-1256, ext 277. Thank you to everyone who has supported or is planning to support the AMA Foundation in this way! We greatly appreciate your support! 
RC Resale is going on the road to Horizon AeroTow at Piatt County Airport, just outside of Monticello, Illinois. The event will be Jun 14, 8:00 AM – Jun 17, 7:00 PM. RC Resale will take their collection of impressive large model sail plans all in good condition on June 15 & 16. These models were donated to the AMA Foundation by the family of Donald W. (Bill) Carnes of Florida. Bill passed way in March 2017 at the age of 84. Bill was a long time member of the AMA and participant in his local model aircraft club in Naples, Florida. Planes in the collection: Minimoa with 4.87 meter span size. (Asking $1750.00) Reiher III with 4.3 meter span size. (Asking $2000.00) Bowlus with 3 meter span size. (Asking $600) Bowers Fly Baby in Army scheme with motor and 3.8 meter span size (Asking $2,500) Spalinger with 4.2 meter span size (Asking $1,000) Nemere II with 3.7 meter wingspan size (asking $800) [gallery ids="4419,4420,4415,4414,4396,4395,4393,4392,4391,4390,4388,4386"] The AMA Foundation team would like to thank the Carnes family, Tony Stillman, Steve Pasierb, Andy Griffith, Ian Noble, Len Buffinton, and everyone else who has helped us with this collection.
RC Resale is going on the road to Joe Nall. AMA member and donor, Ray Moore, has donated a large sample of his work from 2005 to 2016 to the AMA Foundation. This donated collection includes mostly WWI aircraft designs. Roy encourages the prospective buyers to restore the aircraft for flight or for display. Roy Moore has been building and creating since he was young. His passion for modeling and crafting has been consistent throughout his life. He would build everything from plastic aircraft 1:72 scale models to multiple 20 foot wooden power boats. From Tamiya to Revell and from balsa to marine plywood, Roy would build it, finish it, and then use it. Throughout the years, Roy has perfected his modeling skills in aviation, nautical, and railroad designs. Roy grew up in the 1940’s and 50’s during the “Golden Age” in Fairfield, CT. He earned educational degrees at Harvard University and Duke University School of Law. Roy also served as a supply officer in the US Navy during the Vietnam War Era. After being discharged from the military service, Roy returned to Fairfield, CT where he made his career and raised a family with his wife, Margaret. In 2002, Roy and Margaret retired to Beaufort, SC. Roy’s passion for craftsmanship and aviation continues through his children. His oldest son, Woody, a retired USMC KC-130 Hercules pilot and combat veteran, is employed as a B737 First Officer with a major in US Airline. Roy would like to thank the Academy of Model Aeronautics and fellow aviation hobby enthusiasts for helping to continue the legacy of his lifelong passion. Roy’s donated collection will be available for resale at Joe Nall May 16-18. Money from the sales will directly benefit the AMA Foundation, which helps the Academy with programs designed to preserve, enhance, and promote the model flying hobby. Sneak peak photos of the collection: 
To send photography or media of these aircraft to Roy: mitmo1119@gmail.com
AMA Foundation staff members will be taking RC Resale on the road again for the Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo April 6-8 in Toledo, Ohio. We will be set up upstairs at the SeaGate Convention Centre, near the swap shop area. Thank you to the families of Donald W. (Bill) Carnes, William Irving, Wayne Nyberg, and Charles Rife, and to Charles Sylvia for donating the collections to make this sale possible. The Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo is North America’s largest and longest running R/C model expo. This three day event showcases all types of R/C models including planes, cars, and boats. Along with all the exhibitors, there will be an R/C model competition, speakers, swap shop, and an auction. This event runs April 6 through April 8 and is fun for the whole family. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.toledoshow.com/ Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the planes RC Resale will have available! [gallery ids="4601,4600,4599,4598,4597,4596,4391,4388,4419,4418,4395,4392"] Foundation staff members are excited to take RC Resale on the road again after just completing a successful weekend in the Swap Shop of AMA Expo East in Secaucus, New Jersey. Over $5,000 was raised for the programs the foundation supports thanks to donor Charles Sylvia who donated over 20 planes for the weekend sale. We look forward to seeing you in Toledo! [gallery columns="2" ids="4606,4605"]
Dean Palermo (Miami area, Florida) 
Dean Palermo is a Client Relations and Business Consultant for Palermo, Landsman, and Ross P.A. (full service account service). Palermo takes his extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies from which he offers consulting services to our client base of entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and high net-worth individuals. Dean takes their passion and dreams to the next level. He organizes the firm’s involvement in numerous charities and not-for-profits for our clients and associates in the South Florida community. His involvement with the AMA and AMA foundation include: -2014 Sony open with Rich Hanson, RJ Gritter, Nick Maxwell -2015/16 NBC Today Show/Good Morning America. Matt Lauer, Kerry Saunders. Rescue assist from flood waters Live Show, life jacket to swimmer LifeGuard assist program Live Show, Drone safety in Hotel “Live” -2015/2016/2017 Facilitated several demos and training sessions for UAS for safety, inspection, etc. -2006-17 Vista View RC 501c3 nonprofit Electric only club due to city requirement (236 active members) -2015/16/17 Educational/safety events to the public “boy scout Jamboree” “multi GP Safety Grant given”, and Private Crest” both Nonprofit and for profit -2016 ESPN college Final ESPN Blimp with interactive FPV gear -2006-17 Deans RC Keeps, Wire-Keeps, Battery-Keeps Etc. original distributor for 8 years, Horizon Hobby. From Dean: “A lot of behind the scenes work goes into building a reputation and culture. I have enjoyed every moment helping others get into the hobby as hobby and others build a carrier around what they love. I have been flying Scale RC plans, Gliders, Jets, Helis, quads ect… All aspects of aircraft and truly enjoy it all and have built a club site where they all interact together sharing and enjoying that common bond of the pure enjoyment of RC flight Francis “Rusty” Kennedy (Poquoson, VA 23662) 
Rusty Kennedy is retired. He served in the United States Air Force from 1975-1997. He was the owner and operator of a retail hobby shop from 1997-2007. His involvement with the AMA and AMA foundation include: -AMA member for a few years in the 60s, 1979 - present AMA Member -AMA Leader Member 1983 - present -Life Member L716 -Life Member AMA Museum Patron -Lifetime Contributor AMA Foundation -AMA Distinguished Service Award 2015 -Associate Vice President AMA District IV Terry Fleener 
Terry Fleener is the Director of the National Rugby Foundation. His long and noteworthy involvement with the sport of rugby began in 1963 when he was a Founding Member and player for the Quad-City Rugby Football Club in Davenport, Iowa. In 1967 he served in his first of numerous administrative positions as he served on the Board of the Midwest Rugby football Union. In 1975, Mr. Fleener was a Founding Member of the Board of Directors of the Western Rugby Union. That same year, he was also elected to the first ever Board of Directors of the Western Rugby Union. He remained a USARFU Board Member until 1999 serving among other positions as Treasurer from 1983-87 and President from 1987-89. He was also the first president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pan American Rugby Association from 1992-2001. From 1996-2001 Mr. Fleener served as USA Rugby Director of the Pacific Rim Rugby Championship and was Chairman, Board of Directors, of the Pacific Rim Rugby Championship, Inc. from 1998-2001. In 2004, Terry joined the Board of Directors of the United States Rugby Foundation, a position he continues to hold today. Terry also continues to serve as a Trustee of the Green and White Rugby Trust, the non-profit arm of the Denver Barbarians Rugby Football Club. And he’s also been to every Rugby World Cup as a spectator. Mr. Fleener recently retired as Director of Marketing for Ball Aerospace, a company in Colorado developing products for the civilian and military Space Programs. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from the University of Iowa, and a Masters in Business Administration from Denver University. He has been married to Jane since 1969 and they have two sons, Clint and Clay, and two granddaughters. He is an AMA member and a multi-rotor pilot. Paul Frankum (Atlanta, GA) 
Paul Frankum is transitioning into a position in Atlanta at the corporate office to serve as lead for one-third of global business ($1 billion annual revenue) for Flower’s Foods. He has worked with Flowers Foods for 30 years and has served as president of operations for five locations within the company. His involvement with the AMA and AMA foundation include: -Lifelong modeler in Georgia -Served as AVP for 6+ years -Leader members -Turbine Waiver holders -Contest Director -AMA Foundation Donor
To our donors,
As a valued supporter of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the AMA Executive Council invites you to learn more about the new AMA Foundation at the 2014 AMA Expo, to be held January 10-12 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario CA.
Be our guest and join the Executive Council and the AMA Foundation development team for coffee and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, in the ballroom area. This gathering will be followed by the AMA membership meeting at 9 a.m.
A special announcement launching the foundation will be made on the main stage at AMA Expo on Friday and Saturday. Please come by the stage so we can recognize you as a foundation supporter, and stop by the AMA Foundation booth to learn more about how you can help achieve the foundation's mission of securing the future of model aviation through our new donor programs.
Print this page and bring it to the membership meeting to receive a donor gift for your support.
Please call the AMA Foundation at (800) 435-9262, extension 277, for more information.
