By Kyle Arnold, World Business Writer
The Siegfried family’s long-running “Fight Night” tradition is getting a major shakeup, one that may fit the clan’s aviation leanings better.
In September, the annual “Fight Night” will become “Flight Night,” with an ‘L,’ and is moving from the ring to the air.
Instead of prizefighting, the Sept. 18 fundraising and flight-themed event will feature an air show, entertainment and a live auction.
For 21 years Fight Night brought in the biggest names in the pugilism, such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Evander Holyfield.
But the family wants to put more emphasis on education, and their NORDAM company’s emphasis on supporting so-called STEM areas — science, technology, engineering and math.
“This collaboration will be a game-changer in STEM education in the Tulsa region,” said Bailey J. Siegfried., vice president of global marketing at NORDAM in a statement. “The funds generated from Tulsa Charity Flight Night will inspire creativity, spark excitement and harness the inspiration, resources and experience of STEM stakeholder, ultimately broadening horizons for children across northeastern Oklahoma.”
With funds raised from the event, the family hopes to fund a one-day STEM event in Tulsa for students, a Quadcopter challenge where students compete against each other designing flying machines, as well as a mobile “fab lab” to engage students in emerging technologies.
“Trained specialists in STEM disciplines are critical to many, if not all, industries in our city, state and nation to properly compete globally and create technology to propel us into the future,” said NORDAM CEO Meredith Siegfried.
Along with NORDAM, the Muscogee Creek Nation and Asphalt Fuel Supply are title sponsors of the event.
The Flight Night group is still working on getting clearance for the final location for the event.