What is the Plane Pull?

The Plane Pull (presented by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the year-round fundraising of Law Enforcement Torch Run events to benefit Special Olympics) is a unique opportunity for teams of up to eight people to support Special Olympics athletes by pulling a 23-ton plane down the runway 25 feet. Teams will compete to see who can achieve the fastest pull time.

What is the minimum amount that I need to raise to participate in the event?

All Plane Pull teams must raise a minimum of $1,000. You can raise funds by registering for and collecting funds from an online fundraising page or by bringing cash, check and/or credit card donations to the event. There is no minimum requirement for individuals to participate, but in order to earn additional incentives, individuals must raise at least $150 for the gym towel or $300 for the cooler bag.

How many people can be on a Plane Pull Team?

Plane Pull teams can consist of anywhere from one to eight people. No matter how many people you have, the fundraising minimum per team is $1,000.

What will my team receive for participating in the Plane Pull?

In addition to the opportunity to pull a Delta jet, your team members will each receive a wristband that allows them access to the Plane Pull arena, an event T-shirt, and a ticket for snacks. Your team will receive these items after you have submitted your minimum $1,000 in donations and a signed waiver for each team member. All participants who raise $150 on their page will receive a Plane Pull gym towel in addition to the event T-shirt, and participants who raise $300+ will receive a Plane Pull cooler bag.

How old do you have to be to participate?

Anyone is welcome to participate in the Plane Pull! All participants under the age of 18 must have an event waiver signed by their legal guardian.

What should I bring to the Plane Pull?

Make sure to bring your team’s cash and check donations as well as all of your team members’ signed waivers. You should also bring comfortable clothes and shoes. Gloves will be available for you to use while pulling the plane, but you can also bring your own if you prefer.

Can spectators come to the Plane Pull?

Absolutely! The Plane Pull is a family friendly event that’s open to the public. Anyone is welcome to attend to witness the event firsthand while cheering on their friends and family. Food will be available for purchase and entertainment will be provided for spectators throughout the event.

Is alcohol allowed at the Plane Pull?

Alcohol is not permitted at the Plane Pull. If you’re intoxicated, law enforcement will not allow you to participate in the Pull.

Who should checks be written to?

All checks can be written out to “Special Olympics Minnesota” or “SOMN.”

How can I make a donation without submitting my credit card online?

You can make a donation by calling us at 612.604.1284 (toll-free: 800.783.7732 ext. 284). You can also bring or give your chosen participant a check (written out to “Special Olympics Minnesota” or “SOMN”) or cash donation that they’ll then turn in at the event. You can also mail your donation to the address below. Be sure to include the Puller’s name so we know who to credit.

Special Olympics Minnesota
Attn: Plane Pull
900 2nd Ave S
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Does Special Olympics Minnesota issue refunds?

Charitable contributions are non-refundable. Since the minimum fundraising requirement is considered a charitable contribution, it’s therefore also non-refundable.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes!

My company offers matching gifts. If I get my personal contribution to the Plane Pull matched, does that count towards my fundraising total, and how do I go about getting credit for it?

Matching gifts are a great way to raise additional funds for your Pull! As long as we receive the matching gift BEFORE the Plane Pull, we’ll give you credit for the donation and add it to your fundraising total. All you need to do is complete a request with your employer. They’ll have us verify your donation and will send us the matching funds if we quality under their giving qualifications.

Will my supporters automatically receive a receipt, or do I need to request them?

Special Olympics Minnesota automatically generates thank you letters and donation receipts for anyone who contributes $25 or more by check or money order and for whom we have complete and accurate contact information (name and mailing address). All donations that are made online via credit card will automatically receive a thank you letter and donation receipt via email; this is the only receipt they’ll receive for that donation. Cash contributions that aren’t specifically credited to a particular donor will not automatically receive receipts. If you’d like a receipt for a cash donation, you can ask a volunteer for a cash receipt when you check in.

How does my team check in at the Plane Pull?

All teams must check in when they arrive at the Plane Pull site. One person from the team may check in for everyone, but your team will not be able to check in until we have your minimum $1,000 and a signed event waiver for all members of the Plane Pull team (including a waiver signed by a legal guardian for all members under the age of 18). Anyone registered online has already accepted the waiver and does not need to fill out a paper version, but must still check in to get their T-shirt.

What are some tips to make check in go faster?

  • Register online or bring a completed registration form to check in.
  • Bring all of your team funds and event waivers to check in.
  • When possible, contact us prior to arriving at registration with questions about online pledges or issues regarding registration. If questions arise that day, we will do our best to help you with them in a timely manner.

Can team members share an online donation?

All donations, whether made to a team or an individual puller, will be contributed to the team’s overall $1,000 fundraising minimum. In order to receive the new incentives, each person must have either $150 or $300 on their own fundraising pages. If you need any donations moved, please reach out to Molly Egan: [email protected]

What are the benefits of registering online?

Registering online allows you to create your own individual and team webpages, accept credit card pledges online, track your pledges, send out online pledge requests and thank you messages to friends and family, and send out invitation emails for people to join your team. Online registrants also receive Plane Pull email updates and access to various online fundraising contests. Registering online also helps us at Plane Pull Headquarters to plan incentive items and day-of Plane Pull activities.

Will I be able to see pictures from the Plane Pull after the event?

Yes! Photos will be available here after the Plane Pull is complete. We’d also love for you to share your pictures online. Become a friend on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or subscribe to us on YouTube and upload your pictures and videos!

I don’t want to use the online fundraising program. Can I still participate?

Yes! You can download a Plane Pull Donation Tracker (PDF) to track your cash, check and credit card donations offline.

Can I join more than one Plane Pull Team?

Definitely! As long as each team has reached their $1,000 minimum fundraising goal, you may be on as many Plane Pull teams as you’d like.

Can I or my company sponsor the Plane Pull?

To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the Plane Pull, contact Molly Egan, Senior Manager of Special Events, at [email protected] or 763.270.7142.

Molly Egan
Senior Manager of Special Events
[email protected]
763.270.7142