RENO, Nev. – With the 58th STIHL National Championship Air Races just a few short months away, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is asking the community to band together to support the organization’s application process for USA TODAY Network’s “A Community Thrives” program.
The Air Races have been approved to participate in the $2.3 million Gannett Foundation initiative, a grantmaking and crowdfunding program which has distributed more than $6.5 million since 2017.
“This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Tony Logoteta, RARA COO. “Inflation, supply chain issues and a significant increase in our insurance cost have created a big challenge for us this year. This program is a welcome opportunity to help us overcome this next hurdle.”
To be eligible to win the grant, the Air Races must raise at least $6,000 via a MightyCause campaign between July 18 and August 12. All of the funds raised in this campaign will support RARA’s operations and education efforts plus help qualify the organization for additional grants.
With over 60 years of calling Northern Nevada home, the Reno Air Races is determined to maintain its legacy of producing a first-class air racing and air show event that celebrates and perpetuates the world’s fastest motorsport.
An American institution, the Air Races are attended by generations of spectators and are recognized worldwide as the only place in the world where airplanes race head-to-head at up to 500 mph. The significance of the event is not just felt by fans and enthusiasts around the globe, but by the local economy too. Annually, the Air Races generate over $100 million in economic impact for Northern Nevada as well as provide STEM education programs and aviation scholarships for local youth.
“A Community Thrives” is marking its fifth year supporting groups that address social issues and is sponsored by the USA TODAY NETWORK, which includes USA TODAY and Gannett’s hundreds of local media brands including the Reno Gazette Journal.
To make a 501c3 eligible donation to the campaign, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Reno-Air-Racings-Association between July 18 and August 12.
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About the National Championship Air Races
The National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3). The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with seven racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies show that the event generates as much as $100 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the National Championship Air Races, visit AirRace.org.