The fight against breast cancer soared to new heights on Sept. 26 as members of the Pennsylvania Avenue Radio Control Society held a unique fundraiser in Floyd Bennett Field — where flying aficionados got to take model airplanes up for a spin while helping an important cause.
Close to 300 people took to the sky during the model airplane event held in conjunction with Iced Pink — a group of young ice skaters and their parents who offered thirsty amateur pilots pink lemonade during the day long event.
Visitors paid Society members $1 a minute to control the model airplanes, with all of the proceeds going to breast cancer awareness.
Event coordinator Sam Masyr was surprised by the turnout.
“The 10 guys who did the training were shot at the end of the day,” he said. “People were lining up for their turn all day.”
But this was just the kickoff: The Pennsylvania Radio Control Society has an open invitation to teach newcomers remote-control flying techniques for $1 a minute anytime they’re at Floyd Bennett Field — which is every day of the year, weather permitting. The money they generate will go to breast cancer awareness.
“Look out your window: If it’s not raining and above 50 degrees, one of us will be out there,” said Masyr, who dreamed up the fundraiser while he was recuperating from a bone marrow transplant. “Anything that reduces breast cancer reduces all cancer.”
