03/Aug/2009
How fast can you pull a 727?
How would you like to get together with friendly people and a lot of fun on a beautiful Saturday morning in October? What if you and your friends might win a big prize?
Hey, it’s easy! Just gather up 19 of your best buds and come
out to the
“We will have teams of 20 people from just about every business, civic group, club, church and organization in town,” said Paige Gagliano, director of development for The Arc of Baton Rouge. “Each team will take a turn pulling a giant Federal Express 727 to see who can move the 150,000-pound jet over a 12-foot course the fastest.”
This year’s Honorary Chairperson is none other than
This event is the major annual fund raiser for The Arc. Each team member must make a contribution of at least $50 for the privilege of competing. Last year over 2,500 people and 27 Plane Pull teams helped The Arc raise over $53,000.
But this year’s event will be much bigger, according to Gagliano. “We are planning a much larger event this year,” she said. “There will be something for everyone. From the children’s village to the jambalaya cook-off, even a battle of the bands featuring such headliner groups as the Bench Bar Boogie Band and Bayou Bluegrass. It really is going to be great fun.”
Festival events will include strongman exhibitions, a motorcycle show, art and jewelry demonstrations and displays. Team prizes will include such things as free airline tickets and a free cruise.
“Most of the Plane Pull teams we had last year will be back,” said Gagliano. “Some of the business groups that had one team last year are returning with two or three teams of employees who want to get in on the fun and prove they have the most pull.”
Another reason for this year’s bigger-than-ever Plane Pull is the need for success. The recession recently cut into funding for The Arc of Baton Rouge. “As the need increases, the funding decreases, so we all need to get together as a community, join in the fun, spend less, stay home and pull together,” said Gagliano.
Many of last year’s participants have already decided to come back for another go at the 747. Returning Team Leader for the Department of Insurance Katie Walsh said, “Count the Department of Insurance in! We had a blast last year and all of our teammates are excited about participating again!”
Turner Industries employee Stephanie Price Campbell agrees. “Team TURNER volunteers had so much fun at the last Plane Pull! It’s a unique combination of outdoor family fun, team spirit and community involvement and we’re looking forward to doing it again. We have already recruited a much stronger team this year.”
So if you’re ready to get a team together and Pull a Plane to help people with disabilities in our community, just email pgagliano@arcbatonrouge.org or call 927-0855.
