Teams of Delta Air Lines employees dragged a Boeing 757 for charity during an annual event at the airline's headquarters near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday.
About 107 teams of 20 employees each raised funds for the American Cancer Society to compete to see who could pull the 167,000-pound jet 20 feet the fastest.
Also competing was a team of Delta Medallion-level frequent fliers.The 757 used for the jet drag Friday was dedicated in 2011 to the Rev. Joseph Lowery, and is inscribed with the signature of the civil rights leader.
Atlanta Braves hall of famer Tom Glavine spoke at the event and helped a team pull the jet, noting that he's a "big supporter of the fight against cancer" through his involvement with nonprofit CURE Childhood Cancer. While introducing a ceremonial walk highlighting cancer survivors at the Delta event, Glavine said: "We're all here to celebrate survivors and to celebrate life." Last year, the special guest at the Delta jet drag was saxophonist Kenny G.
Delta program manager Jennifer Roush said the company raised more than $500,000 for the American Cancer Society through the events Friday, and has raised $1.5 million for the organization so far this year through fundraisers.
