SANTA SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER BY FLYING TO LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(Van Nuys, CA - December 14, 2000)- More than 500 students at Van Nuys’ Gault Street Elementary School were in store for a special treat on Thursday, December 14, when Santa flew in by helicopter to extend holiday greetings to the children. The event, an annual celebration sponsored by Van Nuys Airport’s Adopt-A-School program, began at 9:45 a.m. and featured holiday gifts, live entertainment and some very recognizable mascots.

"The Santa Fly-In is one of our most enjoyable, rewarding annual events and a great way to expose kids to aviation," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk.

Accompanied by a topnotch ground crew that included Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Santa landed on the school’s playground with a generous supply of presents. Each participating student received a school supply kit that included arts and crafts materials, pens, pencils, rulers, airplane gliders and more. Prior to Santa’s arrival, a special feature of the program was a lively presentation of Greek folk dancers, complete with traditional costumes and music.

"This festivity, along with and our award-winning tour program are just two of the many educational activities we offer," added Birk. "We’re currently enhancing and expanding our educational programs, which include literacy improvement through after-school reading sessions."

All children were entered into a drawing for prizes that included gift certificates and tickets donated by 5-Star Theatres, Baskin-Robbins, Carl’s Jr. Restaurants, Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, IMAX Theaters, Griffith Park Observatory Planetarium, Los Angeles Zoo, McDonald’s Restaurants, Sherman Oaks Castle Park Miniature Golf, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Ice Specialty (Iceoplex), Walden Books, and Skateland.