Will The Blue Angels Be Saved?

Fans of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are hoping for some Internet-bred inspiration and cash for their attempt to raise funds to bring the flying aces back for this fall’s Fleet Week. As reported last issue, federal budget sequestration has resulted in the cancellation of the Blue Angels’ 2013 season, including their San Francisco appearance. Users of Crowdtilt.com — a Kickstarter-like crowdfunding service based in San Francisco — launched a campaign in May to try to gather enough pledges of financial support to cover the estimated cost of bringing the air show to the Oct. 10–14 Fleet Week.

In its first week on Crowdtilt, $100,000 was raised. The campaign runs through June 12 at www.crowdtilt.com/campaigns/bring-the-blue-angels-back and supporters will only be charged if at least $650,000 is raised toward the $800,000 goal.