On October 6, 2022, the 6th Annual Props & Hops event was held at the Mandan Regional Airport - Lawler Field. The event rallied local aviators and area businesses to help support long-time aviator Kelley Bethke in his battle against prostate cancer. “The event brings the community and local aviators together for a night of fun and support for our friend Kelley,” says committee member, Dean Affolter.
This year, Props and Hops generated $17,000 in net proceeds, through ticket sales, silent auction donations, corporate sponsors, and private donors. 100% of the proceeds were passed along to the Bethke family to provide some joy and relief.
“As a selection committee, we look every year for a way to help within our small local aviation community. Those around the Mandan Regional Airport know the good person Kelley is. We want to rally around him and his family and show him that he is not alone. Kelley is a very deserving beneficiary.” Says committee member Lyle Kinnischtzke. “We hope the community will come out to help us raise money and support his fight against cancer.”
The event featured regional craft and light beers, along with Mandan’s famous Robby’s ribs. Entertainment for the evening included live music, a silent auction, and a conversational aircraft static display. Special thanks to Dr. Danny and Paula VanBuskirk for bringing their T-6, Bob and Carol Simmers for bringing their C195, and Taylor Anderson with Cirrus Aircraft for bringing her SR-22 to the event! 
Props & Hops appreciates the support from over 20 regional and aviation sponsors. Our Stein and Boot Level sponsors of $1,000 or more include Silicon Plains, Cirrus Aircraft, Signature Events, Northern Plains & Equipment-Mandan, BNC National Bank, and the Mandan Aero Center.
Props & Hops is a state and federally registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded in 2017. The organization’s mission is to bring positive attention to the aviation community by showcasing the benefits that the airport brings to local communities and raise funds for aviation related causes that are tied to Bismarck/Mandan and surrounding area. The organization designates a selection committee made up of five local aviators to determine an annual beneficiary within the surrounding aviation community. Props & Hops has been able to donate over $80,000 to selected causes over the years.
