Magic over the tobacco fields…

[SleepyC]

Magic over the tobacco fields…
by Robert Vess

Yes, there was magic in the air over the rural tobacco farm where the Raleigh-Durham Radio Control club (RDRC) operates and held its’ annual Fly-for-Tots Children’s Charity Fly-In this past weekend. Amazing things just kept happening. Sure, 219 pilots came to fly with us. And they brought probably over 700 flying machines of all shapes and sizes with them that each found their way into the Carolina skies. Yes, the public came in droves and their jaws dropped as they became an integral part of this carnival-like happening. It became a sensory sensation with plenty to see, hear, and smell. The tantalizing aromas from the concession grilles stayed in the air and somehow mixed perfectly with the exhaust from the non-stop flying activity. Vendors peddled their wares and buyers eyes twinkled. Friends were made and stories were traded.

But this happens at many RC events around the country. So where’s the magic? Imagine all of this occurring for one purpose; to raise money in an effort to somehow enhance the lives of less fortunate children. In this case, we were all doing this to support the Victory Junction Gang Camp where chronically or even critically ill children are given an opportunity to forget about their health problems for a while as they get to act like any other kid at a really fun camp! The RDRC membership chose this charity based upon what we had read and heard about it. But once we visited the camp, we were all changed forever and were thereafter driven by a strong desire to help make a difference.

This same feeling must have affected the hundreds (or maybe thousands) who came together at RDRC on Sept. 20-21. There was a spirit of friendship and giving everywhere. You could feel it in the air and see it in the actions around you. And it also emanated in the many “gee-wiz” things that seemed to keep occurring all weekend. How about a brave Army Sergeant who chose this event for his forth and final re-enlistment ceremony in front of God, all present veterans, active duty soldiers, the grateful public, and a hovering Yak! He’s re-deploying to the Middle East very soon. Or what about the two young fellows who were so inspired by what they saw at FFT 2006 that they and several others from their church group held a yard sale and donated the $2300 proceeds to us on-site in an impromptu ceremony. It was so touching that we had to fight hard to hold back tears! Oh, and what about the young man who presented his raffle prize 2.4 ghz radio to the man who had helped him so much in his younger RC years. Kids were giving other kids their “pickings” from the “candy drop” and winners of the 50-50 raffle were donating back their sizable cash prize to the charity. It was happening everywhere!

Someone said that it must be the “magic dust” from David Hayes’ Top Gun winning Rockwell Thrush crop dusters’ spraying passes. But, in reality, it was a display of true compassion of men, women, and children at a very special model airplane event. We are so very proud to say that we will be presenting the Victory Junction Gang Camp with a check in excess of $25,000 due to the generosity of our sponsors and new/old friends. But for most of us, this event was much more than that….there WAS magic over RDRC!

If you were with us this year, feel free to give your personal “story” or upload your pictures and videos to the Fly-for-Tots “Big Events” gallery. If you weren’t, enjoy the accounts and lend your comments.

THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED AND WE’LL SEE YOU AT FFT 2009!

[SleepyC]

If you have pictures please upload them to the Big Event gallery:

http://www.flyinggiants.com/gallery/index.php?cat=572

[Spdstr280Z]

Well said Robert, I can't tell you how proud I am to be a small part of an event like this and a club like RDRC.

This has to have been the best Fly For Tots ever, I was blown away by my first one three years ago (my first R/C event ever actually), and this one was whole new level.

It really was constantly something special, the sheer kindness and generosity of people became the focus of the event, Yes, there was a 50% Cub (nice to meet you Andy), full scale Stearman and Giles fly-by's, great weather, constant flying action of EVERYTHING imaginable (giant scale planes of every type, micro electrics, Outlaws, Snoopy's doghouse, a pig and a velvet Elvis), but somehow we are all talking about the people, the kindness and the charity.

It was amazing, I can't wait for next year. By the way, these guys will not take credit, but thanks to Robert Vess and Larry Lewis, they are the heart of this event and bring us all together to make it something special.

Jason

[Tim F.]

That awesome! Looks like a great turn out.

[mxcop]

I made the trip down and this event was great. Thanks Robert, Larry, and everyone else for making me feel welcome along with putting all the time and work in to make this event happen. I would recommend this event to anyone who is willing to travel, it's just a fun weekend of flying and it's for such a good cause. I'd also like to thank Fred from Higher Plane Productions for bringing the event to everyone at home, you can almost feel the atmosphere there just by watching some of the videos. I'll be there again next year, hopefully they keep getting more support every year.

Lee Morey

[50%plane]

Nice write up Robert! This was honestly the best event that I've been too. I cannot wait for next year!

[ericb]

Very nice. Maybe some day I can make it down for one of these.

[bigredav2002]

I saw the write up in Model Aviation about the 2006 event and decided to go to the 2007 FFT. I have been hooked ever since. I didn't go to Joe Nall this year, but I DID go to RDRC's Fly for Tots. For me it is the #1 must go to show of the year. Im glad I had a part of that $25K.
Wes Ryman

[RobertV]

We cannot thank our sponsors enough. RDRC takes pride in donating 100% of the event proceeds to our charity. This comes from several sources like pilot registration fees, concession sales, and many private donations. But the bulk of the contribution results from the raffle of many valuable, RC-related items that are donated by our fantastic sponsors. Yes, the spirit of the Fly-for-Tots has a broad foundation. Please read the list below (click on it to enlarge once loaded) and support these businesses who step forward to graciously support our hobby, the people in it, and those we reach out to.

I do know that others had stepped up with support after this poster was produced and we will be sure to acknowledge each of them on the www.flyfortots.com website.

[SleepyC]

Robert, you and the crew down there are good guys. Plain and simple.

FG would like to say THANKS to all the companies and the ton of people that work hard to get this event up and running. This event really shows just how much good a group of good old boy RC'ers can do.

I'd also like to say a personal thanks to Robert Vess. Robert is a very humble person, and always gives props to others, but don't let him fool ya, he is one of the driving forces behind this event.

So Thanks Robert!

Great event guys!

[ifly3d]

There are so many great moments from this event.Where do I start? I think we had more kids there this year than ever before. The candy drop was killer (sorry Jason no pun intended), the kids were all over the place. All day everone was walking around with a big grin on there face. How about the church that has all ready pledged money for next year( sorry I cant remember the name) The helicopter rides. Those guys and girls, ran all day long both days. I think they got there hours in for the next five years.
I would like to say Thank You. This event would be such a success without ALL of your support.



Josh

[ifly3d]

Hey Sleppy. One last thing do you guys have any more videos ???? Just kidding. I dont know how many videos and t-shirts we gave away from the flying giants, but thanks for the support.

Josh Bunn

[Spdstr280Z]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	I'd also like to say a personal thanks to Robert Vess. Robert is a very humble person, and always gives props to others.....

Literally !

Robert really is one of the nicest, most helpful people I have met, in this hobby or otherwise. His industry contacts really help make this event what it is, plus, he is the "voice" of Fly for Tots. Not to mention a local legend, but I digress...

Jason

[SleepyC]

	Quote:
	Hey Sleppy. One last thing do you guys have any more videos ???? Just kidding. I dont know how many videos and t-shirts we gave away from the flying giants, but thanks for the support.

Anytime, I wish we could have sent more!

[Spdstr280Z]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ifly3d
	The candy drop was killer (sorry Jason no pun intended)

No problem buddy, it happens... She may even fly again ! Lesson learned on those connector clips, plus I have a trophy to remember the event, not that I need it !

One technical thing that I was impressed with, there was a spectrum analyzer on site all day both days, always monitored. When a 72 MHz radio went out, it was checked to make sure that no one was on the frequency. Twice a frequency came into use when the pin was still on the board. Immediately Josh was on the PA notifying the group and asking the person to turn off immediately and impound the radio. When someone thought they may have had hits, they were able to make sure the frequency was clear.

Impressive stuff....

Jason