Across the system, Employees are taking initiative to give back to their
communities by volunteering with their favorite charitable
organizations. Here at Headquarters, Employees are stepping it up to do a
little something extra for the community this summer- in the form of a
playhouse designed to look like an airplane.
It all started nearly
three years ago when David Mount of Community Relations and Charitable
Giving, noticed an annual parade of playhouses at Northpark Mall. As it
turns out, the playhouses were sponsored by local corporations in an
effort to raise funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
CASA is a nonprofit network that supports and promotes court appointed
volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can
thrive in a safe environment.
This year, David decided it was
time to give Southwest Employees the opportunity to make a difference in
the lives of children. Soon, Dale Dixon, Southwest Airlines technician
of 15 years, was involved to rally a team of employees to build the
playhouse. As it turned out, Dale had no trouble gaining support for the
cause. Steve Taylor, A & B technician, and Bill Darnell,
maintenance inspector, had plans for the tree house within 30 minutes of
receiving the request from the David and Dale.
Dale, Steve,
Bill and other maintenance technicians have been putting in hours during
their lunch breaks, in the middle of the night and whenever they have a
spare moment in order to build the playhouse. On top of it all, AMFA,
the mechanics union, is covering all expenses associated with the
playhouse. The playhouse, designed in the shape of a house to look like
an airplane, will be complete with cockpit windows, steering wheels,
gadgets and real airplane seats.
For Dale, Bill and Steve,
building the playhouse has been a meaningful way to demonstrate
Southwest’s Servant Heart. All three men have children of their own so
they understand the importance of supporting organizations like CASA.
Once
completed, the playhouse will be displayed at Northpark Mall August 6-
August 22 where shoppers can bid on their favorite playhouse. All money
raised will benefit CASA.
So, if you’re in the Dallas area, show
your Southwest Pride by voting on the cannon blue playhouse at
Northpark Mall! For more information on how to support CASA through
volunteerism or donations, visit www.casaforchildren.org.
Comments
Obviously, that is the new 737-CSH (Casa Small House) so my only questions are, when did this plane get its certificate of airworthiness, and what variant of the CFM56 is it?
All kidding aside, a hearty thanks to the mechanics for their labor & time, and to AMFA for their financial support.
Paul In CRP
Does it come complete with a building permit? Just kidding, Mike Holmes would be proud. That things isn't going anywhere, could probably withstand a Cat 3 hurricane or the jet blast from a Boeing 737-700. Another great example of Southwest's employees giving back. Kudos on a job well done.