Suffolk Community Raises $1,400 to Support Families

The aviation community of Suffolk, Virginia recently came together to host a ‘fun fly’ supporting the Toys for Tots charity. Donations were collected throughout the event, raising $1,400 and toys to assist families in need over the holiday season.

Suffolk, located in southeast Virginia, is home to just over 100,000 people and is often overlooked by larger nearby cities. So, while more populated regions dedicate a part of their Marine Corps to helping the Salvation Army, Suffolk must rely on its community. The local Hampton Roads Radio Control (HRRC) club took it upon itself to support Suffolk’s families.

HRRC worked with the Suffolk Salvation Army to organize a ‘fun fly’, which took place on October 19 at the Lone Star Lake Park RC Flying Field. This partnership is an annual event, including raffles, food, and flying for pilots and spectators of all ages.

The team received a little help from prominent vendors, like Horizon Hobby, to gather donations for raffle prizes. This boosted attendance and participation in the ‘fun fly’ while also generating revenue to pass along. The Suffolk Skydiving club also made an appearance at the event to perform a live demonstration while carrying donations.

Organizers charged a $10 fee or donated toys for each landing, directly supporting Toys for Tots and Suffolk families.

“Monetary donations and toy donations support the effort of ensuring that no child experiences the feeling of emptiness during the holidays and offers hope to families during their time of need, all the while fostering camaraderie and community within the hobby of model aviation,” stated the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which sponsors HRRC.

Andrew Tobias, the ‘fun fly’ contest director, noted that the event raised a total of $1,400 plus a crate of goodies for Toys and Tots. “We had a great day for flying and fellowship,” Tobias expressed.

FMI: www.modelaircraft.org