Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, which empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Santa Barbara County, will host a Plane Pull kickoff event, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6 at Alpha’s Cathedral Oaks Campus, 4501 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara.

The 4th Annual Plane Pull is open to anyone. Participants can enjoy refreshments and a chance to win prizes, all while learning how the Plane Pull works. Team captains will provide tips and resources to help you build a team and reach the team’s fundraising goals.

In a plane pull, teams of 10 compete to drag a real Alaska Airlines plane (like one pictured here) 20 feet in the shortest amount of time. (Courtesy photo)
In a plane pull, teams of 10 compete to drag a real Alaska Airlines plane 20 feet in the shortest amount of time. (Courtesy photo)

A plane pull is a competition where teams of 10 compete to pull a real Alaska Airlines plane 20 feet in the shortest amount of time. Similar to a tug-of-war, teams will use a rope to pull a plane from a stopped position to a marker 20 feet ahead.

A team can be a group such as family members, friends, coworkers, or gym buddies of all ages and abilities. Teams will compete by category as well as overall.

“First and foremost, this is an opportunity to have fun while supporting Alpha Resource Center. Of course, you can also compete for prizes and bragging rights,” Alpha Resource said.

Those who are interested should RSVP by Aug. 5 to tleonardo@alphasb.org. For information on how to register a team and start raising support for Alpha Resource Center, click here.

Plane pull event sponsors are: Presenting Sponsor Alaska Airlines; Venue sponsors Santa Barbara Airport & Atlantic Aviation; Gold Sponsor M Timm Development, Inc.; Silver Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust; Bronze sponsors the Oshay Family Foundation, Cottage Health, Paul & Virginia Hernadi, Reid & Robin Cederlof, and SpaceX.

Founded in 1953, Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara provides programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Santa Barbara County.

“We are a lifespan organization (birth to death) that believes everyone has a valuable contribution to make,” Alpha said. “Our programs bring ability to the forefront and highlight potential while supporting families, creating opportunities, and fostering belonging.”