Articles

Air Systems, Inc., (ASI) a mechanical contractor established in 1974 by John Davis, passionately supports numerous programs and charities throughout Silicon Valley. Since its inception, ASI has been an active member of the community, supporting many diverse non-profit organizations and sponsoring a myriad of fund-raising events.

In 1984, ASI took a more proactive approach to giving back to the community by establishing the annual Air Systems Car Show & Family Fun Fest; a fund-raising event with an old-fashioned county fair atmosphere. It's an awesome display of various vehicles, street rods, classics and "specialties," raising over $1 million in community aid since its first show.

This event is "powered" by Air Systems employees and community volunteers partnered with vendors and customers - members of the building and construction industry - and city personnel.

The Air Systems employees volunteer their personal time to plan, recruit and organize activities. Proceeds go directly towards funding 40+ children's charities, with event costs underwritten by ASI and in-kind donations from other community minded organizations. Due to its size and success, the ASI Car Show and Family Fun Fest is now a bi-annual event, next scheduled for September 5, 2005. Air Systems Foundation was officially formed in 1997 to champion the same diversity, charity efforts, and values that ASI had supported for so many years. Its student scholarship program is one of the first scholarship recipient graduating for college in 2005.

The ASI Foundation "Messenger" Space Ship journeys to many events throughout the year. This sheet metal "working" space ship was custom built by ASI employees who, knowing the cause, poured their hearts, talent and time into this unique one-of-a-kind creation. The Messenger delivers ASI's message to the community: "Together we can build our children's future."

Regular Flights include: Pumpkins in the Park, children's Discovery Museum fund-raising events, San Jose "Birthday" celebrations, Campbell Perk Ponds Kids Free Fishing day, Air Systems Car Show and Family Fun Fest, and City Team Ministries outreach programs.

Air Systems holiday tradition is the Adopt a family program, which has included House of Grace and Heritage House Shelters. These local shelters house women and children attempting to escape their current living conditions of physical, mental and drug abuse. ASI has also provided for 7 individual families of South Valley Christian Church and Cryy Out Christian Fellowship.

Each family provides a wish list of immediate needs for which a collection is taken amongst the ASI employees coupled with donations from the Air Systems Foundation.

ASI president, Art Williams, personally leads the Adopt-A-Family program to ensure the company's core value of "Community Involvement" is met.

One night each year, Mr. & Mrs. Santa and the ASI "elves" pay a special visit to the shelters, singing, and making arts and crafts. Santa reads a story to the children, and provides each family with their gift bags. Dinner and homemade goodies are provided (baked by ASI employees). It's a heartwarming and joyous night as the children's faces light up as Santa (Thomas Lawlor - ASI emplyee) enters the scene in his specially made Santa outfit, bearing the purple foundation color of "hope".

For a list of the many nonprofit organizations touched by Air Systems and the Foundation, visit their websites at: www.airsystemsinc.com and www.asifoundation.org