New "Friends of Mission" NC license plate now available

Mission Foundation Receives Approval for Special Fundraising License Plate

For anyone wanting an iconic symbol of western North Carolina on his or her vehicle license plate, the opportunity is now possible. Mission Foundation announced approval by the N.C. General Assembly of a “Friends of Mission” license plate that carries the MAMA helicopter image.

“For nearly 30 years the MAMA air ambulance service has been saving lives throughout our rugged mountain terrain,” said Bruce Thorsen, president of Mission Foundation. “We’ve all seen MAMA in the air, and now you can see her on the back of your favorite vehicle.”

Thorsen said Mission Foundation set the extra fee for the special plate at just $20 more than a standard plate, with the goal to see many of the attractive plates throughout western North Carolina. The state will receive $10, and, “Mission Foundation will get $10, which will be used support MAMA and other regional programs offered by Mission including children, women, heart, cancer and other outreach services.”

“The license plate lets community members show their pride in and support for the world-class care Mission Health provides across western North Carolina,” said Thorsen, who described the process as taking several months to complete and was stewarded by Mission Foundation board member and former state Rep. Wilma Sherrill. “We offer special thanks to Sen. Tom Apodaca and Rep. Tim Moffitt for their support by introducing the bill that made the license plate possible.”

“I was more than pleased to help make the license plate happen,” said Sherrill. “The plate will generate extra funds for Mission Health and for North Carolina, and it is a great way to show support and appreciation for Mission and the high-quality care they provide throughout the region.”

The DMV requires a minimum of 300 applications for the special “Friends of Mission” license place before it will begin production. Anyone interested in obtaining the special plate may request a DMV application packet at missionfoundation.org or by calling (828) 213-1020. Cost for the special plate is $20, which must accompany the application.