Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recently hosted a Delta Air Lines annual event which celebrates survivors, honors caregivers and supports loved ones facing cancer. The “Delta Jet Drag” event raises money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). For 14 years, Delta has partnered with ACS and this year the airline is raising the bar, setting a fundraising goal of $1.7 million.
Nearly 2,000 Delta Air Lines employees, making up 94 teams of 20 people, competed by “dragging” a Delta 757 twenty feet in the shortest amount of time. Delta TechOps employees set up the event moving the 83.5-ton aircrafts into position for the competitors.
Team “Finish the Fight,” made up of 19 cancer survivors and caregivers brought in a ringer, WWE superstar and TODAY show guest host John Cena to add extra muscle for the drag. A group from Delta TechOps celebrated Cena’s support by creating a wrestling championship belt unlike any other for the entertainer. The belt, made out of carbon fiber, fan blades and a handcrafted leather strap, named Cena the “Champion of Hope.”
“Every person has been touched by cancer in some way, so the Jet Drag is our chance to make a difference in the fight against this terrible disease,” said Carol Henson, manager – voluntary protection programs, corporate safety. “We had the idea of using a plane pull to get folks excited and raise funds. What started as 22 teams now has over 90 groups of 20 pulling for hope.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian pulled alongside “Team Hope,” comprised of Delta people who are cancer survivors or caregivers representing divisions and stations across Delta’s global operation.
Thanks to the Jet Drag and other Delta events, Delta employees have raised more than $1 million to support the ACS this year bringing them closer to their goal.