A reception and dinner party for Rita Sholton’s 80th birthday filled three hangars and the main meeting room of the Alaska Aviation Museum last month on June 16.
It was a grand gathering and a good time was had by all 100 guests but the biggest surprise of the evening was an announcement by Rita Sholton that the Sholton Foundation and Northern Air Cargo were donating matching grants of $150,000 to the aviation museum.
“As the next generation of the NAC Family, we applaud the Sholton Foundation’s support and commitment to the Museum. The Northern Air Cargo Family is also pleased and honored to respond to their challenge to match their gift of $150,000” said David Karp, President of NAC and a member of the museum’s Board of Directors.
Under the terms of the donation, the Sholton Foundation will donate $60,000 in 2010 and $10,000 annually for 9 years. Northern Air Cargo a Saltchuk company will donate $15,000 annually for 10 years beginning in 2010.
“These combined gifts will contribute approximately $30,000 per year in operating funds for the museum over the next 10 years. I am pleased and gratified to accept these very generous contributions on behalf of the Museum,” said Gail Phillips, Board Chair of the Alaska Aviation Museum. “We are working very hard as a board, staff and volunteers to bring this museum to a level of long term sustainability.”
Phillips and museum executive director Norm Lagasse explain that the donation of $300,000 will aid the museum long-term planning and longevity.
Guests attending the celebration ranged from Sholton family and friends to aviation pioneers from the Alaska aviation community. An additional highlight of the evening was the addition of the naming the main gathering room at the Alaska Aviation Museum the Robert & Rita Sholton, Northern Air Cargo, Pioneer Hall.
Between two radial aircraft engines gazing at a Power Point presentation featuring photographs of the Bobby Sholton and the crew and aircraft of Northern Air Cargo, Rita Sholton was tear struck.
“Those were great days and I enjoyed every minute being on the board, running the business and helping to create the state’s largest all cargo airlines,” said Sholton.
Rob Stapleton can be reached at: robstapleton@alaska.net
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