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SUN ‘N FUN COMPLEX, LAKELAND, Fla. – (April 19, 2004) – Sun ‘n Fun
Fly–In, Inc., today presented a check for $40,000 to the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry. The check is Sun ‘n Fun’s first
installment of a $250,000 pledge to the Boys & Girls that will be
fulfilled over the next seven years.
The check presentation took place on the final day of Sun ‘n Fun’s 30th
annual Fly–In, which ended its seven–day run at Lakeland Linder
Regional Airport today.
“Sun ‘n Fun and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry have
enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship since Sun ‘n
Fun’s earliest days,” said Sun ‘n Fun Board Chairman Bill Eickhoff.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Boys & Girls Clubs on Sun ‘n Fun’s
behalf and want to continue to support them through our Fly–In.”
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry have provided the
food service at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly–In for more than 25 years. Boys &
Girls Club officials estimate that more than $1.5 million dollars has
been raised during that time to support not only the local Boys &
Girls Clubs, but also the nearly 20 Lakeland–area charitable
organizations who receive a percentage of those revenues in exchange
for providing volunteer manpower at the various food service locations
throughout the Fly–In Fun site.
"Thanks to Sun 'n Fun, we have been able to
serve more youth and expand our services," said Rex Perry, Executive
Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry. "It's been
a great partnership for more than a quarter of a century."
“Sun ‘n Fun believes it is important to support those organizations
that have supported us for so many years” said Sun ‘n Fun President
John Burton. “The Fly–In continues to serve as the primary economic
engine for Sun ‘n Fun’s year–round operations. But as we continue to
expand our year–round activities, we hope to maintain and enhance our
philanthropic support back to the community.”
Sun ‘n Fun, which is a 501(c)(3) not–for–profit organization, provides
extensive financial support to other non–profit and charitable
organizations in and around Lakeland and Polk County. This year, Sun
‘n Fun will donate nearly $80,000 to organizations that include the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland and Mulberry, the First Aviation
Sertoma Club of Lakeland, more than 10 local Chapters of the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and several other groups.
Some of these groups offer their services (selling programs or parking
automobiles, for example) during the Fly–In in exchange for a
donation.
Considered by many as the “kick–off” to the summer fly–in season, the
Sun ‘n Fun EAA Fly–In has as its focus a week–long schedule of more
than 400 educational forums and workshops plus additional topics
offered through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation
Safety Center that operates year–round on the Sun ‘n Fun campus. In
addition, more than 500 exhibitors showcase the latest and greatest in
aviation–related products and services to Sun ‘n Fun attendees
throughout the week of the Fly–In.
Sun ‘n Fun’s expanding year–round programs include the Florida Air
Museum at Sun ‘n Fun – Florida’s official aviation museum and
education center. Open to the public seven days each week, the museum
includes the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and a collection of Howard
Hughes memorabilia. Sun ‘n Fun also hosts the annual “Wings ‘n
Things” weekend in November; the “Destination: Aviation” youth summer
day camp for students entering grades six through nine in June and
July; the “Aviation Expressions” Lecture Series during the fall and
winter months; new and enhanced facilities such as the Tom Davis
Education Center, Emil Buehler Restoration Center and future Museum
expansion; smaller fly–ins such as the RV aircraft fly–in that last
year attracted more than 175 aircraft; and a host of other activities.
For more information, access Sun ‘n Fun’s website:
www.sun-n-fun.org or call 863–644–2431.
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