Palm Beach Radio Control Association Toys For Tots

Written by Brooklyn Joe Mannino Online exclusive content

The Palm Beach Radio Control Association (AMA District 5, Chapter 1016) is the largest by-membership club in the country and stages many successful events annually, including Warbirds Over Glades, Rhinebeck South, Big Bird, IMAC Over the Swamp, and Toys for Tots, along with our annual Anniversary Fun-Fly and Turkey (Thanksgiving) Fun-Fly. We are very proud of our membership and all of the support they provide, allowing us to be involved with our community.
On Sunday, December 9, 2012, the Palm Beach Radio Control Association held its 4th Annual Toys for Tots Fun-Fly, to benefit the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
With perfect Florida weather, the event kicked off at 0800 hours and flew on into the late afternoon (1600 hours).

Both member and non-member pilots were invited to participate; current AMA membership card and a new, unwrapped toy ($10 or more value) was all that was required for a full day of fun flying. Each $10 toy or cash donation earned a ticket for our gift certificate raffle, with all of the 15 certificates being awarded to the participants. More than 60 pilots participated in the event and the spectator turnout was equally impressive.
Doug Christensen and Mike Abraira were the event directors and, as expected, the event was a complete success.

The final tally was more than $1,300 in toys and $330 in cash, donated to the Toys for Tots program. The toys and cash contributions were delivered to the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve distribution center (located at the fairgrounds) the very next day.
Flying out of Westervelt Field at the West Delray Regional Park, all of our pilots had a great day flying everything from gas and glow to turbines and electrics.
As is usually the case on Sundays, we had some potential new RC pilots who were very interested in becoming involved in our hobby. We look forward to their involvement and expect to start flight training in a few weeks.
Be sure to check out our great website at www.palmbeachrc.com, where we showcase all of our events along with an extensive photo page, video page, and our monthly newsletter.
—“Brooklyn Joe” Mannino Director/Newsletter Editor Palm Beach Radio Control Association [email protected]