Two nonprofits are teaming up for a unique fundraiser to help families and children with life-threatening medical disorders and critical injuries. RMHC Dayton and A Special Wish Dayton will be holding a special plane pull event at Dayton International Airport on September 18.
A plane pull is when teams of friends, families, coworkers, service groups and more work together to pull an airplane the fastest. Each team can have up to 20 members. The plane is a CRJ700 which weighs 55,000 pounds. Dayton-based PSA Airlines is donating the use of the plane for the day. Dayton International Airport is offering the space for the event at no cost to organizers.
RMHC Dayton provides a place for families of children receiving medical care to stay overnight at no cost to them for as long as they need. It also serves families of in-patient children through the Ronald McDonald Families Rooms inside Dayton Children’s Hospital and inside Emmett’s Place at Miami Valley Hospital.
“The pandemic forced us to cancel all of our indoor fundraising events, but it never stopped us from serving the families who need us most. Now, we need the community’s help to continue that mission,” said Erika Ward, Donor Relations & Signature Events Manager.
A Special Wish Dayton grants wishes to both children and adolescents from birth through age 20. It serves Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Shelby and northern Warren Counties.
“A Special Wish Foundation is excited to be partnering with RMHC Dayton. Both organizations provide unique services to families who are facing challenging situations,” said David Seyer, Executive Director of A Special Wish Dayton.
“For ASW, the Plane Pull will provide much needed funds to help grant over 85 special wishes to local children with life-threatening illnesses.”
The plane pull is designed to be a safe alternative to traditional indoor fundraisers. It will be held outside to allow social distancing and masks are required.
The event wouldn’t be possible without the support from PSA Airlines and Dayton International Airport.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to show its strength and raise money for a worthy cause,” said Gil Turner, director of Dayton International Airport. “Beyond that, it also is a really fun and exciting event. Who can say they were strong enough to pull a plane?”
“PSA is proud and excited to support this amazing cause. We are looking forward to seeing the strength of the community and these teams versus the CRJ 700!” said Jenna Arnold, Director of Communications and Marketing for PSA Airlines.
Teams can sign up now at https://www.planepulldayton.org/.55,000 Pound Plane To Be Pulled For Fundraiser