SEATTLE — Kenmore Aero Services, an independent FBO at King County International Airport/Boeing Field (KBFI), has awarded its annual charitable giving commitment to two local schools in the Seattle area.
Providing a combined $25,000, Kenmore Aero selected Raisbeck Aviation High School in Seattle, and Emerald Ridge High School in nearby Puyallup, Washington, for the donations.
For Emerald Ridge High School (ERHS), which operates a vocational aviation program within its traditional high school education curriculum, Kenmore Aero donated an RV-12 empennage kit from Van’s Aircraft, valued at some $15,000.
“This is a significant gift in our school’s aviation program, and provides hands on inspiration for our students,” said ERHS teacher Jeff Coleman, who leads the aviation program for the school. “We are grateful for Kenmore Aero’s generosity, and hope to complete an entire aircraft over the coming semesters, built entirely by students.”
Kenmore Aero also provided a check for some $10,000 as an unrestricted gift to Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS).
Therese Tipton, RAHS principal, notes the gift will be used “…in a three-part manner, aligning with our school mission of preparing every student for college, career, and citizenship under the lens of aviation and aerospace.”
“It is a fundamental responsibility of aviation businesses — particularly FBOs — to give generously to the communities in which they operate,” noted Kenmore Aero Services President Michael Luigs. “We feel there is no better way to do that than through inspiring the next generation of young people to become pilots, mechanics or involved in aviation in some meaningful way. Charitable giving is a core value of Kenmore Aero Services, and one we’re proud to tangibly demonstrate through our actions.”