Measures Include Matching Contributions, Charity Golf Tournament

The NBAA Thursday announced plans for several fund-raising initiatives at its 58th Annual Convention -- all aimed at helping New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.

The fund-raising measures reflect a commitment NBAA made last month to help New Orleans citizens after the Association was forced to move its Convention from New Orleans to Orlando, FL, because of Hurricane Katrina's devastating impact. The 2005 Annual Meeting & Convention will take place November 9-11.

"In the time since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the business aviation community has been generous in providing assistance for the people of the region," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We are pleased that the Convention will help our industry build upon relief efforts to date with fund-raising initiatives targeted specifically to New Orleans citizens."

The following measures are planned to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans:

• NBAA Will Match Attendee Contributions Up to $100,000 for a Combined Katrina Relief Donation
• Convention Exhibitors and Attendees will have an opportunity to provide relief donations at the Convention registration desk or at designated locations throughout the exhibit hall at the Orlando Orange County Convention Center. NBAA will match those contributions up to $100,000.
• NBAA Charity Golf Tournament Proceeds Will Be Designated for Katrina Relief
• All proceeds raised by NBAA's 9th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament will be targeted to relief for Hurricane Katrina victims. The golf tournament, which was founded in 1997, and is held in conjunction with the Convention, will take place on Monday, November 7 at ChampionsGate Golf Resort in ChampionsGate, FL. NBAA Chairman of the Board, Kenneth E. Emerick of GM Worldwide Travel Services, will preside over the event, which has raised a steadily increasing amount of funding for charity efforts each year.
• Proceeds From Silent and Live Auctions Will Be Targeted to Katrina Relief

Silent and live auctions will take place at the Convention Center on Thursday, November 10. Silent auction items will be displayed at the exhibit hall during the day, then auctioned during the NBAA Benefit Gala that evening. Items donated for the silent auction thus far include:

• VIP tours of the US Capitol with special members of Congress
• Studio audience seats for a television news show
• A Sea World Discovery Cove package
• Luxury seating and skybox passes to numerous sports events
• Rental car, hotel stay and dinner packages
• Valuable books, artwork and jewelry
• A live auction, conducted by a professional auctioneer, will be held for two or three additional donated items of high value.

FMI: www.nbaa.org