COLUMBUS, Ohio — The non-profit Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and Learning Center (OAS) has received a $25,000 donation from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, based in Marysville, Ohio.
The gift marks the first from the company and will help cover current operational costs related to preserving the future home of the OAS, the original 1929 Port Columbus Air Terminal and tower located at John Glenn International Airport (KCMH).
The hall of fame is in the midst of an $8 million campaign to transform the three-story, 12,000-square-foot Art Deco-style building into a tourism attraction, aviation-themed STEAM education and training center, and event venue, according to officials.
The OAS has previously received grants from the State of Ohio and City of Columbus to help preserve the iconic landmark. Scotts Miracle-Gro joins other Ohio companies and foundations that have contributed to the campaign, including NetJets, FlightSafety International, the Margi Bauer Foundation, Hillsdale Fund, Wright Brothers Family Foundation, and others.
Scotts Miracle-Gro has a connection with the terminal dating back to the construction of Port Columbus in 1929, when the company supplied and installed the airport turf. Today, Scotts Miracle-Gro maintains its corporate flight department at John Glenn International Airport across the runway from the original terminal.
“The OAS is grateful to Scotts Miracle-Gro for its timely initial gift to our campaign, especially given the company’s unique legacy in the establishment of the Port Columbus nearly a century ago,” said OAS Executive Director Ron Kaplan. “Having the company’s commitment toward preserving this historic terminal is especially noteworthy and appreciated as we strive to commence renovations.”
“As a 153-year-old company with deep roots in Ohio, we’re honored to share a rich history with the state’s air and space industry,” said Brian Herrington, Vice President of External Affairs for Scotts Miracle-Gro. “Preserving and celebrating the impact of this industry is critically important for the generations of today and tomorrow. We appreciate the great work that is being undertaken by the Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame and are pleased to lend our support to this endeavor.”
For more information: OhioAirandSpace.org
