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AIR FOUNDATION 

Shortly after the close of World War II in 1945, a group of Mid-west businessmen met in Cleveland to consider formation of a nonprofit organization for the promotion of aviation in all of its divisions.  Formation of Air Foundation, an Ohio Corporation not for profit, resulted. 

It is unique among the organization within the aviation industry in that it has now finely pointed objectives. On the contrary, its endeavors are so broad that it interests itself in any worthy event, objective or development which will keep the United States "First in Aviation."

Air Foundation undertook the underwriting of an indoor Air-craft Show held in Cleveland Public Auditorium in January 1946. The project netted $75,000 to the U.S. Air Force Aid Society. Its next task to underwrite and guarantee the 1946 National Air Races. Following this, it supported the First Annual National Aircraft Show at Cleveland Airport late in 1946, underwrote sponsored the 1947, 1948 and 1949 National Air Races in Cleveland, and was co-sponsor of the 1951 event in Detroit with the Aero Club of Michigan. 

This year, Air Foundation joins with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce to honor Fifty Years of Powered Flight as an event of Ohio's Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Although a comparatively new organization, Air Foundation has broadened its activities to include the sponsorship of two permanent scholarships, one for jet research at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland and for flight training at the University of Illinois, plus the sponsorship and co-sponsorship of three major indoor and outdoor model meets the encouragement of youth in aviation. 

President and guiding spirit of Air Foundation is Fredrick C. Crawford, Chairman of Thompson Products, Inc., and the National Air Races. Its business manager is Benjamin T. Franklin who is also general manager of National Aircraft Show.