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Pulling for Wishes Airplane Pull

Republic Airways is proud to sponsor the fifth annual “Pulling For Wishes” Airplane Pull coming up Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the Republic Airways hangar at Indianapolis International Airport.

We’ve partnered with Indy Wish now for quite a few years…such a great cause.”  Amy Chiappe, Republic Airways

The event, benefiting Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, runs from 9 a.m. until noon and will feature food, music, and kids games and activities. Teams will compete to pull a twin-engine jet aircraft 15 feet. Special appearances by the Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders and other celebrities including Colts Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis will join the festivities.

Last year, the Plane Pull raised more than $250,000 to benefit Indiana Children’s Wish Fund (ICWF), which grants wishes to children ages 3-18 suffering life-threatening illnesses. ICWF has granted over 3,200 wishes to Indiana children during the past 31 years. Wishes include trips to Disney World, meeting celebrities, shopping trips, home computers and much more. This year’s target is to exceed $300,000.

To join this tug-of-war against a 35-ton aircraft, 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 are awarded for the team with the fastest pull time, the team that raises the most money and the team displaying the most original outfits. Kids participating in a costume contest will receive a medal, and the top three will receive trophies. Every team that raises $5,000 or more will be paired with a Wish child and sponsor their wish.

Joe Staysniak, sports talk show host for THE FAN radio and former Colts player, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

The Plane Pull will feature a variety of fun activities, including: Indianapolis Zoo mascots, NITRO from the Indianapolis Fuel, Butler University’s mascot, face painting, a bounce house, balloon animals and fun and interactive kids games (kids games include cake walk, corn hole, bracelet making, duck pond, candy bag station). The Indiana Pacers Fan Van will be on site along with a Vincennes University aircraft. Arnie’s Pizza and a food truck will be serving pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and other goodies throughout the day.

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 brad@indywish.org.