The Idaho Falls Air Show just gave these 12 non-profits $10,000 checks - East Idaho News
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The Idaho Falls Air Show just gave these 12 non-profits $10,000 checks

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The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Air Show.

IDAHO FALLS — From the very beginning, the mission of the Idaho Falls Air Show, Inc. was to bring a spectacular, family-friendly air show to the city of Idaho Falls, while raising funds for area non-profits. The final piece of that mission was realized earlier today when the Board of Directors proudly presented twelve (12) area non-profits with a check for $10,000 each.

Last week, the Board announced that Idaho Falls was awarded the prestigious Blue Angel Air Show of the Year award for 2017 at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) annual convention on Dec. 4 in Las Vegas, NV. The 2017 Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show was considered the best of 34 Blue Angel performance locations during 2017.

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“We are on cloud 9 right now,” states Russell Johnson, Chairman of the Board. “We are still trying to come down from the Air Show of the Year award, which is like winning the Super Bowl in the air show world. Now we have the exciting opportunity to provide area non-profits with funds that will benefit so many diverse groups,” adds Johnson who also served as the Blue Angels Liaison.

Seventy-four grant applications were submitted to the Air Show Board of Directors for consideration. The Board selected twelve applicants based on the grant criteria outlined in the application.

Grant Recipients (listed in alphabetical order):

1. Angel Flight West
2. Camp Magical Moments
3. College of Eastern Idaho Foundation
4. Development Workshop, Inc.
5. EAA Chapter 1049
6. Eastern Idaho 99’s
7. Exchange Club
8. Idaho Falls YMCA
9. Mayor’s Scholarship Fund
10. Museum of Idaho
11. Museum of Idaho (2)
12. The Idaho Foodbank

Grants were awarded to non-profits that supported key community objectives, including: 1) Educational scholarships; 2) Aviation Scholarships; 3) Arts & Culture; 4) Veteran Groups; or 5) Disability Organizations.

Grants were awarded to publicly supported and tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, institutions, and public agencies within the grant service area (Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Jefferson, Madison, and Teton counties).

About the Show

The Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show was held at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport in July, and featured the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team, the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Heritage Flight Team, and 10 other world-class military and industry performers.

In the months prior to the show, online ticket sales were steady. Data collected by the show’s ticket vendor indicates 16,000 ticket sales originating from residents living in 42 different U.S. states and eight countries, including all Canadian provinces. Most purchases came from Idaho, Utah, and Montana. Additional tickets were distributed to air show sponsors, volunteers, and military recruiters. More than 300 volunteers and community groups provided thousands of dollars in donated labor and services.

In total, air show weekend saw an estimated 24,000 attendees, with 12,000 people attending the Saturday show, and 9,000 people attending the Sunday show. An additional 3,000 military veterans and special needs children attended the free Friday dress rehearsal show. Anecdotal reports from law enforcement and traffic control specialists estimate 100,000 people viewed the show from several nearby areas.

Leading up to the air show, performers spent significant time meeting with Idaho Falls’ residents. Navy pilots and crew met with pediatric patients and family members receiving medical care at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, they spoke to 750 children and their families during a free “Donuts with the Pilots” block party at the Museum of Idaho, and they attended a community reception the night before the air show. Other performers conducted numerous media interviews, met with community members, and generously showcased their aircraft and unique aviation skills before their weekend performances.

In total, the air show cost nearly $1.5 million to produce and operate. Income came from dozens of corporate sponsors, ticket sales, and value-in-kind services provided by the City of Idaho Falls. Grants were presented after accounting for all costs – including performer fees and accommodations, spectator transportation, marketing, equipment purchases, leases, rentals, and many other associated costs.

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