Wings of Hope’s 2nd Annual Pulling for Hope event was a huge success. Eleven enthusiastic teams participated in this friendly competition to record the fastest time pulling a 25-ton Gulfstream III jet 60 feet across the taxiway outside the Wings of Hope hangar.

Food, fun activities and music entertained spectators and participants of all ages. Families enjoyed delicious coffee and food from Bri’s Coffee Bar and Bliss Food Truck while grooving to the tunes of DJ Carlos Suarez. Kids had a blast making art projects, racing pedal planes provided by the Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation and “flying” the Wings of Hope parade float plane.

Each team of 12 raised a minimum of $1,000 for two chances to pull and record their best time. The competition was fierce, with the Secure Data Technologies team holding onto first place for most of the event. But in a dramatic turn of events, the Hockey Heroes for Hope team swooped in at the last minute with a competition winning pull of 14.58 seconds — edging out Secure Data’s best time by just 0.17 seconds.

The event was free to attend, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all.

We’re grateful to all who made this second annual event a success — including participants, volunteers, spectators and our generous sponsors: Dierbergs, AVMATS, Signature Aviation, Spirit of St. Louis Airport, St. Luke’s Hospital, UHY, Scooter’s Coffee, SFW Partners, Moneta, Fabick Cat, Secure Data Technologies, Simmons Bank, Brinkmann Constructors, Melissa Owens and the Chesterfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.