Soaring Together
Quarter 3 , October 2023
Social Impact
Backpack Drive Success !
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students ; but for many families , it can also be a financial burden . The cost of school supplies , including backpacks , can quickly add up , creating challenges for those already facing economic hardships .
The Airports Authority ' s Social Impact team hosted a backpack drive to benefit the District of Columbia ' s Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus ( THEARC ). Thanks to the support and generosity of our employees , the team collected more than 300 backpacks and a variety of school supplies for area students . These backpacks were distributed to three local schools housed on THEARC ’ s Campus : Washington School for Girls , Bishop Walker School for Boys and Apple Tree Early Learning Public Charter School .
Dulles Day
The Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull celebrated its 31st successful year as a major fundraiser for Special Olympics Virginia . The event raised more than $ 500,000 to support athletes with intellectual disabilities . Dulles Day featured an up-close view of various aircraft , including military planes and helicopters , and hosts a diverse array of activities such as K-9 demonstrations , fire truck rides , a car show , and much more .
This year , the festival went a step further by introducing a dedicated employee hospitality tent . This special addition was exclusively reserved for the Airports Authority staffs and their families , creating a unique space for them to connect with colleagues and forge meaningful relationships . Within the tent , attendees were treated to hamburgers , cheeseburgers , chips , cookies , and beverages . To top it off , Airports Authority employees and their families received the Airports Authority goodies as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication .
Diversity Inclusion & Social Impact Newsletter 2