Trending
Airstream Club International (ACI) released impact numbers on its 69th International Rally in Minot Aug. 22-27, which brought 938 Airstreams and 1,834 attendees from 48 states, four Canadian provinces and Germany to the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.
"The International Rally is about much more than bringing nearly 1,000 Airstreams together in one place," said Debbie Wood, rally planning lead coordinator, in the news release. "Our members want to experience the local area, connect with the community and be of service to it."
The rally's community service project benefited Souris Valley United Way's Backpack Buddies program, which provides weekend food assistance to local elementary and middle school students. ACI members donated more than 26,000 food items and packed 2,300 food bags. More than 175 volunteers took part in the packing event, Souris Valley United Way's largest packing event ever.
Airstream Club members also raised $40,330 for the program, which included a $10,000 matching donation from the Minot Area Community Foundation. As a result, elementary school children served by the program will receive food assistance for three months.
"We are incredibly grateful that Airstream Club members chose Backpack Buddies as their community service project. Seeing all those volunteers come together to pack thousands of bags in just 90 minutes was amazing. Their generosity and enthusiasm for helping our students made the event truly special. The donations received will help sustain our program this fall, ensuring local students have food for the weekends," said Christy Miller, executive director of Souris Valley United Way.
ACI members also made an impact through a Vitalant blood drive, in which 194 people donated, resulting in 181 units collected -- a five-year record for the ACI Rally. Other contributions included more than 300 pounds of pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, handmade scarves, hats and other items for local organizations and a donation to a local amateur radio club.
The rally also brought significant activity to businesses and attractions throughout Minot and North Dakota.
"Hosting the Airstream Rally was an incredible opportunity for Minot and our tourism industry," said Stephanie Schoenrock, executive director of Visit Minot. "The impact on our community was immense and, honestly, far greater than what it looked like on paper. We saw Airstreamers throughout our community, supporting our restaurants, shops, attractions and local businesses in ways that made a real difference."
While the full impact is still being calculated, previous Airstream Club International Rallies have shown an impact of more than $2.5 million on communities.