The Airpower Foundation along with American Airlines held their most successful Sky Ball event to date. The Foundation set a new fundraising record of $2.2 million dollars. These funds will provide much needed support to our nation’s military, veterans and their families.
Our organization hosted 3 days of events honoring our nation’s military and supporting local schools through educational outreach programs. On Thursday, the Foundation partnered with the Medal of Honor Foundation (MOH) to present the annual Bob Hope Award Gala at the Westin DFW Airport Hotel. This event raised $150,000 for the Medal of Honor Foundation.
On Friday, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) held a career expo. This event provided job information to local veterans and transitioning military members. Also on Friday morning, the Medal of Honor Foundation held a workshop for local educators, in which the MOH shared their character development program. This program teaches students the importance of citizenship and patriotism. Additionally, 3,000 students attended the Aviation Expo held in conjunction with our partner DFW International Airport at American Airlines Hangar #5 and the C.R. Smith Museum.
On Friday evening, thanks to Budweiser, the Foundation hosted a free concert for our military, their families, and our volunteers. This show featured Pitbull and Terry Fator. The food was provided by Sysco and prepared by Chef Robert Irvine and his culinary team. Their 3-day program culminated with the Sky Ball Gala which honored the United States Air Force and troops who served during the Vietnam era. In recognition of our Vietnam Veterans in attendance, the Foundation presented them with a pin provided by the DOD 50th Anniversary Vietnam commemorative program. Celebrated entertainer, Tony Orlando, wooed the audience with beloved songs “Tie a Yellow Ribbon around the Old Oak Tree” and Neil Diamond’s, “America”. Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band closed the evening in style.
The Airpower Foundation sincerely thanks all of our sponsors, guests, and over 1,500 volunteers who made these events possible. We salute you all for helping them to make 2015 such a successful year. The foundation looks forward to making an even bigger impact in 2016 for our nation’s military, their families, wounded warriors, and the children who lost a parent serving our nation since 9-11. The Airpower Foundation and American Airlines will hold Sky Ball XIV on a date to be announced soon when we will honor the United States Special Operations Command.
Greatest Gift Catalog Ever!
The Airpower Foundation salutes and thanks All Saints’ Episcopal School for their generous donation through the Greatest Gift Catalog Ever! We were one of 4 charities selected to receive donations by the senior class. Airpower Foundation Treasurer, John Johnson, and Communications Director, Bob Vincent, graciously attended service at the school and accepted the checks on behalf of the foundation. Congratulations to the other fine foundations in Fort Worth who also received funds through the senior class philanthropy project.
Thank you to everyone who also made a donation through the Greatest Gift Catalog Ever to support the Airpower Foundation!
The Airpower Foundation salutes and thanks our Title Sponsor, American Airlines, for all their support of Sky Ball!! Without the use of their Hangar at DFW International Airport, and more than 1,000 employee volunteers, Sky Ball would not be possible. In addition to supporting our annual fundraising event, we are proud to partner with American Airlines in many initiatives supporting our nations military and their families all year round.
More about American Airlines:
On Dec. 9, 2013, AMR Corporation and US Airways Group Inc. announced the completion of the companies’ merger to officially form American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL).
American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines. Together with regional partners operating as American Eagle, American offers an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. This year, American Airlines Group Inc. topped Fortune magazine’s list of best business turnarounds and its stock joined the S&P 500 index.
On an average day, American Airlines Group:
Flies about 530,794 passengers.
Flies about 6,700 flights.
For more information about American Airlines please visit http://www.aa.com
Source: Airpower Foundation