Created “to fund initiatives that ensure a healthy future for the general aviation community,” Sporty’s Foundation Friday released its annual report showing total bequests of $151,355 in 2008. Original funding for the foundation came from Sporty’s Pilot Shop and its affiliate businesses but was bolstered by the foundation’s online auction of a Cessna Citation Mustang that netted the foundation $500,000 from an anonymous bidder. According to Sporty’s, “Donors can rest assured that every dollar contributed goes directly to funded programs.” In 2008, bequests went to flight training scholarships, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and Build A Plane, among others. This year the foundation has already funded a Microsoft Flight Simulator for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The simulator was supported by Sporty’s employees who volunteered weekends to teach youngsters the art of simulated flight. And Sporty’s Foundation is looking forward.
The foundation at Sun ‘n Fun ’09 announced a partnership with EAA and its Young Eagles program and has pledged $250,000 over a three-year period to support that cause, but will continue to fund a range of other programs and education efforts. Through its efforts, the foundation is dedicated to growing the general aviation community. In the words of Sporty’s Chairman Hal Shevers, “If there is no freshman class, in just four years, there will be no graduates.” Sporty’s is welcoming similarly motivated contributors to donate as their finances and desires dictate. For more information, download the foundation’s annual report (2008) here.
