Healing With Helicopters

With much regret, I admit, I was among those who know nothing about Helicopter Awareness Day. I have had the great pleasure of crossing paths with the owner of Scenic Helicopters, Dan Haynes, on a few occasions. He is incredibly personable and extremely high energy to say the least. "Busy" is a word that is not foreign to him by any means. Not all that long ago, at a meeting, he announced the impending Helicopter Awareness Day. Dan then went on to explain that the proceeds go to benefit Children’s Hospital. As it turns out, his father, the late Hal Haynes, had suffered and been cured of Polio as a child. Children’s Hospital had provided the care that Hal needed in order to recover from such a tragic illness. This event, which has gone on for 24yrs, seems one part tribute to dedication/skill of Children’s Hospital and one part celebration of the life of Hal Haynes, who brought so much to this area concerning helicopters.

This past Saturday, once again, was Helicopter Awareness Day. Scenic Helicopters raised funds by collecting $10 per golf ball; however, with that money the person donating could win any of 3 AWESOME prize packages:

Grand Prize, won by Brad Childress, was worth over $1250 and included a Grand Helicopter Tour for 4, king suite at Springhill Marriott for 2 nights, 2 rafting passes with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, and a gift cert. to Conner's Concepts Restaurant.

Second prize, won by Nick Garera, entailed 4 Splash Country passes, 4 Smokies passes, 2 Titanic passes, a gift cert. to Conner's Concepts Restaurant, and a gift cert. to NOC Great Outpost.

Third prize, won by Travis Bradley, included a season pass with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, 4 Smokies passes, 2 Titanic passes, and 4 Comedy Barn passes.

A helicopter dropped a massive amount of golf balls which determined the winners of the prize packages. The event was hosted by Lumberjack Feud and The United Way of Sevier County's Danny Devaney. Also, the beloved Skidz the clown made an appearance. Overall, the event was a great success. It made over $5, ooo and was a pure delight for those who attended. The best part, not to be overlooked, was that it was all for a FANTASTIC cause!