Newark Airport Teams Haul 100,000-Pound Jet in Annual Fundraiser

The annual Plane Pull fundraiser, held at Newark Liberty International Airport, brought together teams from across the region to raise money for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. The event involves teams of 20 people hailing a United Airlines Boeing 737 12 feet down the tarmac, with all proceeds going towards funding programs for over 26,000 athletes served by the organization.

This year's event was the 25th annual Plane Pull presented by United Airlines, and it drew participants from various backgrounds, including firefighters from the Chews Landing Fire Department in Blackwood. The station raised $1,200 on their own, adding to the overall total collected through the event.

The Plane Pull has become a significant fundraising effort for Special Olympics New Jersey, with previous events raising over $162,000. Events like this one are crucial in funding programs for athletes across the state, providing an opportunity for businesses, first responders, and community groups to contribute beyond writing checks.