Bonez, thanks for your offer. But, I don't want to solicit folks on the forum. We should be able to raise enough moola from within to buy the kid a decent airplane. We're already 1/2 way there from 3 people.
But, aside from the mini-cub and Champ, I'm not sure what is a decent 1st airplane for the money. The Sky Surfer is close, at around $150. Same with the Bixler. This airframe has taught 3/4 of our kids (and 1 teacher) to fly RC. Top notch, even from BH.