Fundraising Schedule (Updated 18 Dec '19)
Goal 1 - Jul 2018
$15,000 - Begin sculpting the 15-20" miniature statues, i.e. "maquettes" and stocking online store with inventory
Goal 2 - Nov 30, 2018
$75,000 - Maquette sculpting complete. Store stocked.
Goal 3 - Jan 2020
$150,000 - Heroic Troubleshooter sculpting begins. Maquette casting begins for Character Sponsors, Gold and Silver Donors.
Goal 4 - Jun 2020
$200,000 - Heroic Mission Commander sculpting begins. Continued maquette casting for Character Sponsors, Gold and Silver Donors.
Goal 5 - Oct 2020
$250,000 - Heroic Pilot in Command sculpting begins. Continued maquette casting for Character Sponsors, Gold and Silver Donors.
Goal 6 - March 2021
$300,000 - Statues molds and casting. Monument base etching & construction. Continued maquette casting for Character Sponsors, Gold and Silver Donors.
Goal 7 - Summer 2021
$350,000 - Bronzes complete. Base complete. Relocation to NAS Pensacola, FL. Installation. Dedication.
General Cost Estimates
Inventory
We carry both inventory and non-inventory merchandise to be sold in order to raise monies for the project. We source our items from various vendors, and do our best to keep the cost as low as possible, while choosing a price-point that creates the best fundraising return as possible. Our web store packaging and handling is done by unpaid volunteers.
Maquette Miniatures
$4,500 has been paid to Sandra Van Zandt to sculpt the three figures in miniature (18'-22"); create a mold of the maquette; cast an artist proof and finally mount it on a granite base. We will then produce a limited-edition collection of bronze miniatures to gift to Character Sponsors, Gold & Silver Donors. These customary art pieces are excellent items to help invite the large donations needed for this project.
Bronze Monument on Black Granite Base
The monument will cost approximately $250,000 to sculpt, mold, cast, deliver and install. This estimate includes the etched black granite base and foundation. Additional monies may be required for site fees and site prep (i.e. pouring concrete, brick laying, etc.) TBD ~est. $25,000.
Location Fees
National Naval Aviation Museum does not require any mandatory donations or site reservation fees.
Dedication Ceremony/Events
Depending on available resources, we may be able to use a balance of monies to cover costs hosting the monument dedication ceremony.
Operating Expenses/Misc. Costs/Excess
We keep our operating costs as low as possible - we do not pay any employees; all volunteers and board members are unpaid. Our operating expenses include accounting software, website hosting, payment processing, business insurance, marketing, and a few other minor items. But, like all large projects, as we execute our mission we will encounter unexpected costs and changes to our estimates and must be prepared to manage them. Any excess monies will be donated to a suitable charity i.e. Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, etc.