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Southwest Airlines Community

Coming Together For A Cause

cwelch
Adventurer C

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.

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