Generousity Grounded in Humble Beginnings

GREENVILLE, SC- The Community Corridor and Runway Park recently received a $10k grant from the Spinks Family Foundation. As a way to support the generous giving of the founder, Stewart Spinks, and the Spinx company, The Spinks Family Foundation began accepting grant proposals in March 2023 from non-profit organizations across the Carolinas.

His humble beginnings keep him morally grounded, but his passion and vision allow him to fly. Spinks’ passion for aviation was cultivated early in life when his family lived across the street from the Barnwell Airport. He became a licensed private pilot 28 years later at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in the 1980’s.

?“I really love aviation. It is the only thing that I don’t take risks on and it keeps me fully focused on just flying the plane,” said Spinks. “Being a pilot has really has facilitated doing business too.”

?GMU recently created a 501(3)(c) organization, the Greenville Downtown Airport Charitable Fund. The Charitable Fund now makes it easier for people to give for the purpose of expanding Runway Park and making improvements in the Community Corridor. Runway Park was funded by the community and is maintained for the community.

?“The Community Corridor gives a wonderful avenue for the public to see and feel what aviation is, and what it can be for the next generation. We envision building an education center where we can host aviation organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association, Civil Air Patrol, and Upstate Aviation Club, and other aviation oriented educational programming” said James Stephens, GMU Airport Director.

?About the Greenville Downtown Airport

The Greenville Downtown Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina. GMU has served our community since 1928 and continues that service today. Our Community Corridor provides an avenue for children and families to learn about aviation at Runway Park, and while here, they can eat at Runway Café, learn about modern military history at the MHCC museum, or just play a round at Takeoff Mini Golf. More at www.greenvilledowntownairport.com.

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