Thinking about a flyin

[tnreefguy]

I was thinking about maybe putting a flyin together in the next year or so for a charity event. I would like to maybe have it for the March of Dimes to prevent birth defects. In the name of my son who passed away in August. Since I am in the middle of changing clubs (my old one has to much red tape) the other club is all for it. I would like to have some input from guys that have organized flyins before to know exactly what to do and how to maybe get some sponsors to. I have also come up with a name for the event, The Owen Klein White Memorial Flyin. What do you guys think?

[Hotshot Charlie]

Go for it, John. I will come !!!

[tnreefguy]

Looks like you and me will be the only ones Rob.

[Hotshot Charlie]

You can count on the Tupelo bunch.... How about the rest of you guys????

[big-al]

just pick an open date, and let her rip.

which club are you talking about being in now btw? jackson or henderson?

[tnreefguy]

If I can ever stop crashing my fury I am going to join the henderson club. The first years dues are like 160$ :shock: . After that it drops to 60 a year. It will probably happen a year or so from now. That will give me enough time to get sponsors and get the planning just right.

[Rudy]

So you want to put on a Fun fly. I hosted the Houston Fun fly for 4 years, and here are some tips that worked for me with our event.

1. Start now, to get top pilots to show up at your event you need to get a date and talk to them before the end of the year. Their calendar will fill up quickly. A top pilot will add drawing power to your event.

2. Pick the date. Go to runlund.com and look under the fun fly link. Look for the posting of all the old events. As fun fly’s tend to be about the same time each year, you can pick a date that some one else with in 500 miles of you is not also having an event. Once you have a date you sure with, post it everywhere, Heli freaks, RR, rotory, Ricks RC, and post fliers at you local hobby shops.

3. Make a nice flier for your event. List why you’re having the event, when the event will be, directions, contact information, include the list of club officers, and club logo. Will there be food on site, camping, RV parking, what about local hotels. Make sure you have a soft copy of the flier so you can e-mail it as well.

4. Getting sponsors. Some of them want to know early, at the beginning of the year, and some want to know just before the event. Here's what I did, I made a list of every possible sponsor I could find, name address, phone number, e-mail and web site. I would call the targeted sponsor and find out who the point of contact would be. Then come Jan 1 I would mail out a letter requesting sponsor ship to every one on the list. I would include the letter requesting sponsorship and a printed flier for the event. About a week later I would follow up with a phone call, and talk with the contact person. This will be an on going effort right up to the event, be sure to follow up with phone calls and don't be surprised when they ask for another letter/flier However the effort will pay off with thousands of dollars in Free prizes that can be raffled off or given away in door prices. DO NOT FORGET TO SEND A LETTER TO THE SPONSER AFTER THE EVENT. Tell them thanks for what they provided and include who ended up with their product they provided.

5. Have food and drinks ready. People we be coming in for miles for a good event. I hate having to leave to go find lunch some place. Most events will have hotdogs and hamburgers, if you can do that, Fresh, cold cut sandwiches and chips would work. Or if nothing else see if a local KFC, or Churches chicken place will cater the event. Hit them up to sponsor it.

Get these 5 things going and you will be on the way.

Hope this helps, and if you have questions feel free to ask.

[tnreefguy]

Thanks Rudy just the info I was looking for.

[Hotshot Charlie]

Hey John,

Henderson is one of the PREMIER flying sites in the country. 800' paved runway with heli landing zone markings. It is one great site.

Good luck !