Pull-a-Plane Challenge Successful

The first annual Pull-a-Plane Challenge to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas was held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the American Flight Museum, Forbes Field, Topeka. Seventeen teams competed to see which could pull an 80,000 pound vintage airplane 20 feet in the quickest time. The event also featured games for children and adults, carnival rides, music, food trucks and vendors, and exhibits.

The BNSF Super Team was the fastest corporate team and overall winner of the Pull a Plane Challenge, with an 8.51 second pull.  Team America was the fastest non-corporate team with a pull of 9.77 seconds. Gina’s Everyday Heroes won the award for most spirited team.  There were two stand-out teams in terms of fundraising that were acknowledged with awards – Wickham Athletics raised $1,742 and Team SG Cure for Cody raised $1,692. This event cleared almost $14,000 to support helping keep families close at the Ronald McDonald House in Topeka.

“I was thrilled by the attendance at this first time event for us,” said Susan Smith who led the event planning effort.  “We had a wonderful volunteer turnout and all of our teams and their supporters had lots of fun. We look forward to growing this event for 2017.”