"The ziMS Foundation was founded by Washington Nationals’ All-Star First Baseman Ryan Zimmerman in 2006. The event was held at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, which was a terrifically unique venue. Not sure where else you can find autographed baseball jerseys in the same room as nearly 100 year old aircraft! The event spanned from 2pm – 7pm, was fun for the whole family, and helped to raise money for a wonderful cause – the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. Many athletes “support” a charity, but it’s really admirable to see how much Ryan cares about his foundation’s work and the cause behind it. In fact, Ryan is consistently very warm and accommodating at ziMS events. He takes time to chat with each guest, take pictures, and even sign autographs.
I’m not sure anybody knew what to expect with the first annual Flight Fest. It was definitely more of a “family friendly” event than past events – it included activities and games for the kids like “bubble soccer” and face painting, a photobooth, and a live band (The Vinyl Headlights, who were very good!). Entrance to the event included all you can eat food and drink. The food and drink featured a pig roast barbecue with accompanied side dishes, oysters, funnel cakes and fried oreos, and soft drinks and beer and wine! The evening concluded with an impressive fireworks show as well.
Of course, while we all had fun and enjoyed the day, we were there to raise money for the ziMS Foundation as well. Ryan presented a check for $200,000 to go towards research and finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The event held a silent auction with over 100 items up for bid, and a new software interface that allowed all bidding to be performed via cell phones. There was also a raffle, in which a signed Zimmerman jersey, a cruiser bike, and a 55” television were all raffled away to three lucky winners." Christopher Nahlik
We had amazing sponsors and we can't thank them enough for supporting ziMS Foundation and landing a cure for MS.
Main Stream Events and PR Firm had the pleasure of bringing in great vendors such as Military Aviation Museum, Affordable & Luxury Event Rentals, Mobile Pig-Nic Catering, Catering Concepts, Ice Art, Vinyl Headlights, Hampton Roads Combat Games, Hoffman Beverage, Boardwalk Photobooth, Zambelli Fireworks, Jody's Popcorn, HERR's Snacks, Spivey Rentals, Kenyatta Osby, Special Event Providers of Emergency Medicine, Sunbelt Rentals, and Event Staffing, Inc.
Photo credit goes to Bryan Brough of Eye Captures Photography and Dave Chance of Dave Chance Photography.
A few kind works:
"You put together a first class event and I implore everyone to take their time and money and support such a worthy cause. You won’t be disappointed! "
Christopher Nahlik
"Just a note to tell you how much we loved the ziMS Flight Fest. So many families and kids really made it special. The face painting, silent auction, raffle and archery were outstanding. Most of all, Bill (one of our sponsors) loved riding in the vintage WWII plane. The food was deliciious and the staff so helpful. It really sets a high bar for family fun and entertainment. Thanks so much for all you do to fight MS. Raising so many dollars is a tribute to the entire family. Our compliments" Jane and Bill Hoover
"My family and I had such a great time during ziMS Flight Fest. The airplane ride was such an amazing experience for my daughter and husband. The fireworks show at the end was a great way to end the night. We look forward to attending next year."
Meagan Parker- TowneBank
Karen Gould Main Stream Events and PR Firm (757) 204-1416 www.yourmainstream.com
