Sixth Annual “Pulling for Wishes” Plane Pull Presented By Republic Airways on Saturday, April 23, 2016

Indy Chamber News Archives

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Republic Airways is proud to announce the sixth annual “Pulling For Wishes” Plane Pull is Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Republic Airways hangar near Indianapolis International Airport. The event, benefiting Indiana Children’s Wish Fund (ICWF), runs from 9 a.m. until noon and will feature food, music, aircraft tours, and kid-oriented activities. Teams compete to pull a 41-ton, twin-engine jet aircraft 15 feet. Special appearances will be made by Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl Linebacker Robert Mathis, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels and other celebrities.

Joe Staysniak, sports radio talk show host for 1070 The Fan and a former Colts player, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Last year, the Plane Pull raised more than $360,000 to benefit ICWF, which grants wishes to children ages 3-18 suffering life-threatening illnesses. ICWF has granted over 3,200 wishes to Indiana children over the past 32 years. Wishes include trips to Disney World, meeting celebrities, shopping trips, home computers and much more.

“Our employees are driven and devoted to this event and most importantly, they embrace the importance of granting a wish for an Indiana child,” said Amy Chiappe, Director of Inflight for Republic Airways. “Our partnership with Indiana Children’s Wish Fund is a special bond that we cherish.”

Some of this year’s top sponsors include Embraer Aviation, Hughes and Hubbard, Ice Miller, Key Bank, Kroger, Prime 47, Rolls-Royce and Seabury Group, among others. Teams have consisted of sponsors’ employees, students, athletes and business leaders.

To join this tug-of-war, each team of 10 people (three must be female) must raise at least $500 in pledges or donations, all of which benefit the ICWF. Prizes including roundtrip airline tickets, luggage and restaurant gift certificates are awarded for the team with the fastest pull time, the most money raised and the most original costumes. Kids participating in a costume contest will receive a medal, and the top three will receive trophies. Every team that raises $6,000 or more will be paired with a Wish child to sponsor their wish.

“This event is fun and challenging for all who are involved, but more importantly the funds raised create beautiful wishes and memories for our very special wish children,” said Terry Ceaser-Hudson, Executive Director of ICWF. “Our relationship with Republic Airways is an unbelievable bond. We are truly blessed to have their support and love for our Wish children.”

The Plane Pull will feature an extensive kid zone of activities, including face painting, a bounce house, a magician, a juggler and interactive kid games like corn hole and crafts. Other attractions include aircraft tours, Arnie’s Pizza and other refreshments including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and other goodies throughout the event. The event is free and open to the public.

“Pulling for Wishes” is dedicated to the memory of Tyler Frenzel, a Carmel, Ind., boy who suffered from leukemia and passed away in 2004. Tyler’s wish to visit Disney World was granted by ICWF.

For more information, go to www.IndyWish.org or www.rjet.com. To register your team, contact the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund at (317) 913-WISH (9474) or email [email protected].

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Directions to the hangar: The event takes place at the Republic Airways hangar on S. Hoffman Road in Indianapolis. Using a GPS will not work, because it takes you to a secured checkpoint where passage is restricted. Follow these exact directions, and you will get right to the hangar:

• From downtown Indianapolis, take I-465 West
• Take Exit 12B for US-40 West/Washington St.
• Go west on US-40 West/Washington St. about 3 miles
• Turn left at Bridgeport Road
• Take the 1st right on N. Perimeter Road
• Turn left at the flashing red stop sign (There will be two stop signs, so turn at the second one farthest south), then follow the signs.

About the Company: Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (RJETQ/OTC), based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively called “the airlines.” The airlines operate a combined fleet of about 200 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service with approximately 1,000 flights daily to about 120 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The airlines provide fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The airlines currently employ about 6,000 aviation professionals. For more information, visit www.rjet.com, follow @RepublicAirways on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Contact:

Scott Thien

Manager of Corporate Communications

Republic Airways

Office: (317) 471-2540

Email: [email protected]