Fort Worth Air Power Foundation to Host Sky Ball III to Benefit Military Families

Fort Worth Air Power Foundation to Host Sky Ball III to Benefit Military Families

American Airlines Proudly Joins the Team as the Presenting Sponsor

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- "The patriotic families of our deployed U.S. Military Reserves and National Guard troops need our help," says Mike Snyder, anchor of NBC-5 and Chairman of Sky Ball. "That's why the Fort Worth Air Power Foundation is hosting its third Sky Ball, October 22, 2005 from 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. at the American Airlines maintenance base at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas.

"The back to back deployments of many units at the Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth have placed a tremendous financial strain on our families," says Snyder, "and the Sky Ball's mission is to support those families and very troops from those deployed units."

Sky Ball III will be an unforgettable evening of patriotic expression and excellence in entertainment. The evening's musical entertainment will be kicked off by the State High School Champion L.D. Bell Blue Raider Marching Band from Hurst, Texas. The Sky Ball will be headlined with a patriotic pageant performed by the Osmond's and another nationally famous entertainer. The evening's elegant tasting cuisine will be designed and prepared by a team of celebrity chefs led by Fort Worth's own Chef Jon Bonnell of Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine, Chef Tim Love of the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Chef Michael Thompson of Michael's on 7th street. Dinner will be accompanied by the fabulous wines from D'Vine Wine in Granbury. Those attending will also be invited to participate in the silent and live auctions and the exciting "Draw Down" auto raffle being sponsored by James Wood Automotive Group. Some one will drive home with their choice from 5 new 2006 GM vehicles donated for Sky Ball III.

Three years ago, as our military began its massive deployment to Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the war against terrorism, the Fort Worth Air Power Foundation hosted its first Sky Ball, responding to the impact of these deployments on the military families of the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) in Fort Worth. "While these service members are overseas fighting in our name, we, as a community, are obligated to our own mission here at home, supporting our troops, their families and their units," says Snyder, Chairman, Sky Ball III. Of the roughly 10,000 military members at NAS JRB, about 7,500 are Reservist and Guardsman. Years ago the catch-all phrase termed them as "weekend warriors". So far, almost 4,000 NAS JRB Fort Worth Reservists and Guardsmen have answered the call to fight the War on Terrorism. As these Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines experience the terrifying effects of war, some of their families back home are coping with the stress from financial concerns and setbacks. That's why Sky Ball III is important.

The first two Sky Ball events successfully raised over $100,000 for the Navy-Marine Corps and National Guard Relief Fund and other needs at NAS JRB. This year the Fort Worth Air Power Foundation is expanding its goal to raise a significant amount of the approximately $1 million dollars in private sector contributions needed at NAS JRB this year.

"American Airlines is pleased to continue in its support for our troops and their families," said Dave Campbell - Vice President of Alliance Fort Worth Engineering and Maintenance. "We believe that with the hangar venue and our employee's volunteer participation as part of the Sky Ball team effort, this will indeed be a gala evening to remember and all for a great cause."

Individual tickets to this gala event can be purchased for $150, with tables and Corporate Sponsorships available starting at $1,500. To purchase tickets go to our website, http://www.skyball2005.org/ . For additional information, please contact Beth Hutson, Director of Marketing at beth@hutsoncreative.com or 817-455-5689 or Maureen Hollern, Assistant Director of Marketing at 817-966-6353. Information is also available on the web at http://www.skyball2005.org/ .

About the Fort Worth Air Power Council:

The Fort Worth Air Power Foundation was established in 1958 and is our nation's oldest military support organization. The Fort Worth Air Power Foundation is an associate entity of the Fort Worth Airpower Council, which is pledged to support and enhance the military of the United States of America in all efforts to protect and promote freedom. Specifically, the Foundation (a non-profit 501 (c) (3)) is committed to supporting the families of the men and women serving our country while stationed at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, recognizing and honoring the NAS JRB's importance to the community.

Source: Fort Worth Air Power Foundation

CONTACT: Beth Hutson, Director of Marketing-PR Sky Ball 2005, +1-817-455-5689, or fax, +1-817-560-7159, or beth@hutsoncreative.com , for Fort Worth Air Power Foundation

Web site: http://www.skyball2005.org/

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