Event Saw Impressive Scholarship Funds Raised

Helicopter Foundation International reports a very busy Heli-Expo 2012. The foundation held its annual golf tournament, hosted mentoring panels, and shared a great deal of information with attendees about its mission and goals. New additions this year were a silent auction, heritage helicopter display and historical interviews.

HFI says the third annual Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tournament was the foundation’s most well-attended golf outing to date. Twenty-nine teams totaling 116 participants played on the Cowboys Golf Course in nearby Grapevine. Sponsors and participants helped raise more than $50,000 for HFI’s scholarship program. A Bell 429 graced the tee box of the 17th hole, reminding players of the versatility and practicality of the industry. Players participated in a putting contest, long drive contest, hole in one contest, and of course aimed for the lowest score.

HFI’s mentoring panels were described as well attended. Students and those new to the industry were able to attend Pilot, Maintenance, and Industry Outreach to Students panels. Immediately following panels, attendees could make their way to the HAI Job Fair, where they were able to put their newly acquired knowledge to work.

New to this year was a Fundraising Silent Auction, in which HFI documented bids for donated goods. This event netted more than $17,000 for HFI’s scholarship and educational programs.

HFI unveiled its Heritage of Helicopters display at the show, and showcased a Bell OH-13, a Huey, and a Mil Mi-24 Hind. Three museums in central and east Texas allowed their helicopters to be displayed in the convention center, and each day of the show featured a question and answer session with a representative of each of the museums.

HFI thanks to everyone who attended. Heli-Expo 2013 will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

FMI: www.helicopterfoundation.org