Time on Your Hands? Want to Volunteer? Here’s an Opportunity.

Friends of Fernandina Aviation
Press Release
Submitted by Mickey Baity
November 11, 2016 11:46 a.m.

The Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA–www.fofaviation.com) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit that offers a broad range of opportunities for those who would like to volunteer. Currently, our membership consists predominantly of aviation enthusiasts (retired and active pilots, military, commercial, and private), but we welcome non-aviators, male and female, as well. Our mission is promoting awareness of the importance of aviation and the value of our local airport, supporting educational programs in Nassau County schools (primarily in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math-STEM), and providing financial and manpower support to local community service and charitable organizations.

Our members augment Nassau County schools science classes with interactive presentations utilizing aviation and aerospace platforms to stimulate interest in STEM careers.

In addition, we provide information regarding opportunities in aviation for students during Career Days at local schools. Over the past 5 years, FOFA has awarded almost $30,000 in scholarships to Nassau County students who plan to pursue advanced studies in an aviation field and, most recently, for Middle School students to attend a week-long, interactive learning program at the National Flight Academy (www.nationalflightacademy.com) in Pensacola. We have recently expanded our National Flight Academy scholarship program through grant partnerships with two other non-profits.

Just some of our community service activities include regular staffing for the USO facility at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) and the JIA Ambassadors program, volunteers for the Amelia Island Museum of History, manpower for the Sunshine Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser, support for operations of the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, and supporting Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport operations and maintenance activities. To support our programs, FOFA conducts two major annual fundraising events. In March, our members manage and provide manpower for visitor and show car transporter parking at the annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. During the Shrimp Festival, FOFA can be found at the corner of 7th and Center Streets selling our famous “Strawberry Smoothies”. Both of these fund raising events have proven to be busy and fun activities for FOFA members, as well as friends and family.

Almost all of our minimal administrative expenses are covered by our annual membership dues ($20/member), leaving almost 100% of our fundraising revenues and contributions to directly support our programs.

If your hands are idle, we have ways to keep the Devil from using them in his workshop. Consider joining an organization that provides a broad range of volunteer opportunities. Visit our website (www.fofaviation.com) or call/email Mickey Baity (904-556-6136/[email protected]) for more details.