AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg has challenged AOPA President Mark Baker to a dogfight. The battle? To see who can bring in the most “Hat in the Ring Society” donors by the end of the year to support aviation safety, promote community airports, and encourage more people to fly.
Landsberg threw down the gauntlet after longtime donor and Board of Visitors member Scott Schneider issued a $50,000 matching gift challenge. His stipulation was that the AOPA Foundation's “Hat in the Ring Society” must raise $50,000 through new or renewing Hat in the Ring members in order to receive the full match. Members of the “Hat in the Ring Society” make a commitment of $1,000 per year to support AOPA Foundation initiatives to teach safety, preserve airports, and grow our pilot population.
AOPA members who want to support general aviation and join the dogfight can specify whether their donation will count toward Baker’s or Landsberg’s tally.
“The score is close right now, but I intend to win,” Landsberg said. “It’s all in the name of aviation safety and preserving general aviation, but let’s have a friendly competition and involve as many pilots as possible. And, vote for the underdog, by designating me on your check or credit card memo.”
”There’s nothing I love more than a little friendly competition—especially when GA is the real winner,” said Baker. “So join or renew your Hat in the Ring membership now when the value of your contribution can be doubled with a matching gift. And don’t forget to vote for me!”
To donate or learn more about the “Hat in the Ring Society,” email Justin Biassou, AOPA Foundation donor relations specialist, or call 301/695-2268. If donating by check, indicate in the memo line which president you want your tally to count toward in the challenge.
Special thank you
The AOPA Foundation thanks those who have recently thrown their Hat in the Ring to support general aviation.
Walt Fricke
Brent Barbour
Bruce Clegg
Fred Dettwiller
Darin Dowd
Yevgeniy Gorkov
Matt Kalita
Chris Raborn
Michael Baraz
Danny Morrow
John Savel
Clay Schile
Robert Shackelford
Steven Sokol
Mark Spiegelman
Robert Barnhill
Glenn Kautt
Jason Madewell
Thomas Ocheltree
Thomas Parker
Alfred T. Spain
Ivan Zuckerman
David Bargainnier
David Berelsman
Brent Blue
Francis V. De Peyster
John Huss
Chris Meloni
Greg Herrick
Ryan Hoffman
James Kirvida
Jan Oreck
David Reynolds
Mark Smith
Robert Wiplinger
Mark D. Johnson
