Republic Airline to Hold 7th Annual Pulling For Wishes Plane Pull

Event benefits Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, and new partners Riley
Children’s Foundation and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.
Vincent

INDIANAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Embraer–In a competition like no other, Republic Airline employees and teams
from around Indiana will face off against a 24-ton aircraft in the
seventh annual Pulling For Wishes Plane Pull. Scheduled for Saturday,
April 22, 2017, at Republic’s hangar near Indianapolis International
Airport, the event primarily benefits the non-profit Indiana Children’s
Wish Fund (ICWF), and will feature dozens of teams competing for the
fastest time to pull an Embraer 175 aircraft.

“This is a wonderful event in support of a wonderful cause,” said Amy
Chiappe, Republic’s Director of Inflight and a key organizer of the
event. “Our people love a challenge and, most importantly, they love the
chance to help provide a wish for a child. It’s become one of the real
highlights of our calendar, and this year is no exception.”

In addition to providing support for the ICWF, this year’s event will
help benefit programs and initiatives at Riley Children’s Foundation and
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, both leading
Indianapolis organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of
children.

“This event is great fun, and it’s amazing to watch people face off
against a giant aircraft … and win,” said Terry Ceaser-Hudson, Executive
Director of ICWF. “Most amazing of all, though, is how the people of
Republic have really embraced our organization and its mission. We are
truly blessed to have their support and love for our Wish children.”

To earn a spot in this charity tug-of-war, teams of 10 people must raise
at least $500 in pledges or donations. Prizes are awarded for the three
fastest pulls as well as for best team costume.

The event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 9 a.m. and
will feature food, music and appearances by local celebrities including
the Indiana Pacemates, Pacers mascot Boomer and the Colts Cheerleaders.
This year’s event also will feature an extensive kid zone of activities
sponsored by Kroger, including face painting, a bounce house,
interactive games and aircraft tours.

Joe Staysniak, sports radio talk show host for 1070 The Fan and former
Colts player, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The evening of Saturday, April 22, Prime 47 in Carmel will host the
Pulling for Wishes Plane Pull Gala, an exclusive cocktail attire tent
experience, featuring a special performance by renowned comedian and
impressionist Frank Caliendo.

For more information or to register a team, visit www.rjet.com
or www.IndyWish.org,
call the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund at (317) 913-9474 or email jbenner@indywish.org.
Registration deadline is April 14, 2017. Tickets for the evening gala
can be purchased through ICWF.

Last year’s event raised more than $430,000 to benefit ICWF, which
grants wishes to children ages 3-18 suffering life-threatening
illnesses. ICWF has granted over 3,200 wishes to Indiana children during
the past 33 years. Wishes include trips to Disney World, meeting
celebrities, shopping trips, home computers and much more.

Since 2011, Republic’s Plane Pull has raised $1.4 million for ICWF.

The Pulling for Wishes Plane Pull is dedicated to the memory of Carmel
resident Tyler Frenzel, who suffered from leukemia and passed away in
2004. Tyler’s wish to visit Disney World was granted by Indiana
Children’s Wish Fund.

About Republic Airline: Republic Airline, based in Indianapolis,
Ind., operates a fleet of about 170 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and offers
scheduled passenger service with about 900 flights daily to 105 cities
in 38 U.S. states, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The airline
provides fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner
brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The
airline employs about 5,200 aviation professionals. Visit www.rjet.com
for more information, follow the company on Instagram,
Twitter
and YouTube,
and connect on Facebook
or LinkedIn.

Contacts

Republic Airline
Scott Thien, Manager of Corporate Communications
Office:
317-471-2540
Cell: 317-902-3103
Email: scott.thien@rjet.com