Posted by Lee Ann Timreck on August 13, 2014
On September 20, I’ll be doing something I never dreamed I’d be doing—joining forces with 24 Booz Allen teammates to see how fast we can pull an 82-ton Airbusplane 12 feet! I pleasantly find myself at the epicenter of a charity event that has taken off (pun intended) — the Dulles Day Festival & Plane Pull®, benefitting Special Olympics Virginia.
I believe in the Special Olympics organization—in what they do to promote camaraderie, respect, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment—both for the individuals that participate in their programs—and for the volunteers that support them. When I joined Booz Allen more than 25 years ago, the first volunteer activity I participated in was at a Special Olympics event. I remember the smiles of the athletes participating, and smiling right along with them. I met other Booz Allen colleagues for the first time that day that are still with the firm, and to whom I am still connected because of that volunteer event.
Then for many years, I volunteered with Girl Scouts—my daughter was a Girl Scout and it was a natural fit for me to volunteer in support of an organization that was giving so much to my family.
What brought me back to Special Olympics? The people on my team at Booz Allen. They are passionate about this organization—and their passion is infectious! I’ve now had the privilege of being with my team for two years in a row—as the intrepid photographer—on the edges of frigid waters as they take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and am so proud to be embarking with them for the September 20 Plane Pull. Being the competitive folks we are at Booz Allen—I issued a challenge to the other teams within the firm. We now have 6 teams (and counting) participating! That’s 25 people on each team, who have committed to raising $1,500 per team to benefit Special Olympics Virginia, then standing on a runway at Dulles Airport in Virginia to see which team can pull this 164,000 plane 12 feet in the fastest time.
That’s what I love about Booz Allen—when our people get excited about something, there’s no stopping us! Working together to help others—outside the office—strengthens our bonds and drives a deeper connection to the firm and one other. That benefits all our communities and the clients we serve. If you’re in the Washington Metro Region, drop by Dulles Airport on September 20 and cheer us on! There’s still time if you want to organize your own team or volunteer at the event—there’s a lot of great activities happening. Visit http://www.planepull.com/ to learn more about how you can get involved. If you’re looking for a way to engage in your community—just talk to those around you—you never know where it might take you, you just have to be willing to go.
