On October 24, a 70-ton Alaska Airlines 737 became the focus of a tug-of-war, as 12 enthusiastic teams each successfully pulled the plane 20 feet. The fifth annual Plane Pull event generated a net total of $32,000 for Alpha Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and assisting their families.
Executive Director Josh Weitzman expressed hope that the unique nature of the event would increase visibility for Alpha’s crucial work within the community. The Grand Champion, The Runway Models, completed their pull in an impressive 9.8 seconds. The event drew approximately 275 spectators, with enthusiasm permeating the competition among both participants and onlookers.
Teams representing schools, businesses, government entities, nonprofits, and friends took part. Alpha Resource Center fielded its own team, which included many program participants who enjoy the event annually. Notably, the Monroe Mustangs, comprising Monroe Elementary School special education students, other students, staff, and parents, have participated every year. The City Haulers, made up of city staff members, also returned for their fifth time.
Following the competition, attendees had the opportunity to tour the colorfully painted, Disney-themed plane. Entertainment was provided by The Shoe Biters and Alpha’s own band, Rockability. An awards ceremony recognized division winners: Hope School in the School division (13.1 seconds), S.B. Police Department/UCSB Police Department in Public Safety (13.3 seconds), and Team Alpha in the Disability division (13.1 seconds).
Airport Director Chris Hastert praised Alaska Airlines for its consistent participation, noting the airline’s commitment to the community and the significant financial investment of taking an aircraft out of service for an entire day. Alaska Airlines Manager of Station Operations Adrienne Phillip explained that the company’s involvement since the event's inception stems from a desire to support the community and to demonstrate that air travel is accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities, thanks to Alaska’s services. Phillip also serves on Alpha’s board.
Hastert shared his satisfaction in hosting the event at the airport, highlighting Alpha’s impactful work and the opportunity the event provides for people to experience aviation firsthand, which he described as difficult to do currently due to security requirements. In the past, Alaska Airlines, the Airport, and Alpha have collaborated on Disability Flight Experiences, offering mock travel scenarios from counter check-in to taxiing down the runway for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Alpha Resource Center plays a vital role in assisting families with accessing services, connecting them with other families, and providing educational opportunities. To date this year, Alpha has supported more than 1,000 families. For individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Alpha offers programs that foster talent exploration, a sense of belonging, and connections to meaningful work and other opportunities. Its Slingshot / Alpha Art Studio showcases participants' work. Year-to-date, 146 participants have been served by Alpha's individual programming.
Board President Felisa Strickland, who moved to Santa Barbara in 2012 with her daughter Lily, who has multiple disabilities, after her husband's passing, shared the personal impact of the organization. For her, Alpha "was the lifeline we needed" to navigate services and supports. She emphasized the parental support and Lily’s connection with peers. Strickland led the event's top fundraising team, raising $14,000, while Lily was the top individual fundraiser with $5,100.
Executive Director Josh Weitzman’s personal experience, having a daughter born with Down syndrome in 2007 and later adopting a son with Down syndrome, influenced his leadership. After many years on the board, his current role for six years has seen Alpha enhance and introduce new programs to support more adults and their families as individuals age.
Given the recent increase in autism diagnoses, Alpha Resource Center provides an especially valuable resource, offering free assistance to understand and navigate government programs. State funding covers less than two-thirds of Alpha’s program expenses, with a significant portion of the remaining funds generated by its thrift stores in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Community members can contribute to Alpha through monetary donations, in-kind donations to the thrift stores, and by shopping at the thrift stores and Slingshot/Alpha Art Studio. Businesses and nonprofits can also support Alpha by engaging participants as employees or volunteers.