Perfect Stitch Multi Service Team is shown pulling the FedEx 727 aircraft during a fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Maine Chapter.

MS team pulls 72-ton plane

SOUTH PORTLAND – A group of local friends gathered strength to help Team Captain Gregg Inman of West Paris raise funds to help fight Multiple Sclerosis on Sept. 22. For the third year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Maine Chapter held a plane pull at the Portland Jetport.

Each of the 13 teams consisted of 20 people grasping a rope and tow bar that was attached to a FedEx 727 aircraft.

One by one, each team positioned themselves along the rope in preparation to pull more than 72 tons for a distance of 12 feet while being timed.

The last team to pull the aircraft was the MS Society’s team. They were lacking several team members, so members from various teams pitched in. With a strong 30-person team, they grabbed the rope and helped the MS Society pull the plane in the quickest time.

Ending the day’s event was a trophy presentation announcing the winners. Finishing first was Pratt and Whitney with a time of 5.443 seconds; second, Perfect Stitch – Multi Service Team; and third, Sebago Technics.

All team members were asked to collect donations of $50 or more. The Perfect Stitch – Multi Service team raised $3,151, with the grand total raised for the day $20,000 plus.

The Perfect Stitch Team consisted of Gregg Inman, Milton Inman, Gary Inman, Dennis Doyon, Travis Coffman, Brian Mitchell, Edward Martin, Norman Lewis, Donald Shead, Dennis Martin, Michael Peet, Donald Hutchins, Walter Inman, Brain Laudeiri, Walter Inman Jr., Kevin Marshall, Vernon Inman, Ray Crockett, Ryan Seames and Shawn York.