On May 2, Department of Aviation staff came together with one goal in mind: to be the fastest team to pull a plane for charity. During the annual Ronald McDonald House Plane Pull, 32 teams of 20 people competed to pull a 75,000-pound plane 75 feet at a time faster than the rest.
Each team raised money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, an organization providing comfort, support, and resources to families of children battling serious illnesses.
Team PHL had 20 participants from units across the airport including Community Relations and Outreach, Business Diversity, Warehouse, Electronics, Planning and Environment, and Pavement and Grounds.
“It was a wonderful experience working with other departments at PHL and pulling the 75,000-pound beast for a good cause,” said Simon Gholson, Department of Aviation heavy equipment operator. Team PHL pulled the plane in 18.87 seconds- putting them in 6th place.
Team PHL member Michael Micali even helped out other teams that needed extra hands stating, “I had a lot of fun, I was able to network and had great food. This was my second year participating and I’m definitely going to do this again next year”
Zoraida “Z” Antonetty, Department of Aviation Community Relations and Outreach coordinator, is also excited to bring the team together again next year. “It was so much fun. Despite our sixth-place finish, I'm happy that we all put our strength, confidence and effort together to try bringing the trophy home. Prayerfully, it will be ours next year as we continue to support Ronald Mc Donald House Charities.”
Family and friends came out to Atlantic Aviation to support the teams and raise money for the good cause. The event featured local food venders, caricature and balloon artists, and live music- all included in the donation made upon entry. The Phillie Phanatic also made a special appearance, taking photos with spectators and cheering on the pullers.
Donations from the 32 teams brought in almost $177,000 to support Ronald McDonald house programs in Philadelphia.
