Organization Brings In New Sponsors, More Cash

Not too long ago, things were looking bleak for the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, OH.

The organization had lost its $60,000 sponsorship from the Dayton International Airport (KDAY)... and Rolls-Royce North America scaled back its annual contribution when the NAHF's annual Dayton Air Show moved its date to another weekend. Also not helping matters was the fact that weekend happens to coincide with another gathering... a certain get-together in Farnborough, England.

Those events forced the NAHF to get creative... and while the situation is far from being resolved, the organization's executive director, Ron Kaplan, told MSNBC recently they were able to save the upcoming NAHF Annual Enshrinement Dinner from cancellation.

How'd they do it? Hat in hand, Kaplan -- along with Development Director Wayne Burton -- called on trustees to get involved in supporting the project. They were also able to secure a media sponsor, Dayton's local NBC affiliate WDTN.

The results? This year's dinner -- which the NAHF likens to the Oscars of the aviation world -- has 20 table sponsors, up from last year's nine. That means more than $115,000 in funds... more than enough to make up for the loss of support from KDAY.

FedEx also agreed to fly one of this year's honorees on board a corporate jet -- free of charge -- to the dinner, which will be held July 15.

This year's inductees into the NAHF includes Bessie Coleman, the first African American to earn a private pilot certificate; WWII Flying Tiger ace David Lee "Tex" Hill; actor Cliff Robertson, who is also a pilot and general aviation advocate; and test pilot and X-15 astronaut Robert White.

Kaplan told MSNBC he's pleased the event escaped the challenges currently faced by the NAHF.

"It brings positive attention to the Dayton region at the time when it needs all the positive attention we can garner," he said. "It's been going on for 45 years and I think everyone wants to see it go on for another 45 years."

FMI: www.nationalaviation.org