More than $130,000 was raised for two charities, thanks to the Cecil Field Airshow 2009.
Proceeds from ticket sales, which totaled $110,000, have been donated to The Alan Henley Foundation. Henley, the former leader of the Aeroshell Aerobatic team, was paralyzed from the chest down last year while playing with his kids at their home.
The 35 performers who participated in the event waived their fees as part of the effort to help Henley and his family. About 28,000 people attended the airshow, which was April 18 and 19.
The other cause that benefitted from the show was the Fly, Drive & Ride for Multiple Sclerosis Research Inc., whose mission is to find a cure for MS.
The all-volunteer organization received $22,000, proceeds raised from food and drink sales at the event and participation fees from a motorcycle poker run held during the second day of the airshow.
“The Jacksonville Aviation Authority and Cecil Field are very proud to have hosted this spectacular event,” says Michael Stewart, director of external affairs at JAA. “The people of Jacksonville love a good airshow. Not only did attendees witness some of the best aviation acts in the world, they also contributed significantly towards two worthy causes.”
