The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: News

Media Credit: JULIA NORMAN [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: IILANA MCQUINN Students reach for stuffed Chik-fil-A skydiving cows as they fall from a helicopter during a UGA HEROs promotional event in the Tate Plaza Wednesday. [Click to enlarge]

The chopping of helicopter blades through the air was heard minutes before the drop.

As class ended and students, entranced by their cell phones and iPods walked to Tate Plaza on Thursday, many of them stopped to look up at the sky.

Red and white parachutes with tiny Chick-fil-A cows slowly drifted into the hands of students, the first of 500 cows falling from a hovering helicopter.

As many students turned their heads in amazement at the gliding stuffed animals, others enjoyed the inflatable slide.

The event was organized by UGA HEROs. UGA HEROs offered students 500 free waters, Chick-fil-A coupons and snow cones.

"We wanted everything in 500s," said Kevin Scott, executive director and a senior from Kennesaw. "It represents the 500 lives that are infected with and affected by AIDS."

Scott said UGA HEROs wanted to create an event that was memorable for the kids that have been forgotten for so long.

But, due to miscommunication with University Police, the helicopter may have never left the ground.

"The proper approval had not been obtained," said University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson. "But, we made an exception."

Scott said he thought the police were supposed to be notified, but did not know he had to get approval.

At noon, Williamson decided to make the exception.

Williamson said he was concerned with the safety of the students, including students running out in front of buses to catch the cows and debris from the helicopter.

"In the future, the chances of this are much less likely," Williamson said. "But I'm happy for the group."

Mike Ward, manager of Vending and Solicitation, said he was not aware of the event until he heard the helicopter.

"We were all in the dark until today," Ward said. "We were not notified at all."

Scott said he was not aware of this particular notification, but was sure to get approval for landing on the practice field from Charlie Whittemore of the Athletic Department. He also got approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Many said they were in awe of the event, including Coach Mark Richt.

"These students involved with UGA HEROs never cease to amaze me," he said.

One of the crucial elements of the event was Chick-fil-A's donations, Scott said. Chick-fil-A has been a long-time sponsor of UGA HEROs and Shane Todd, operator of Chick-fil-A at Beechwood Shopping Center, said he was proud to be part of the event.

"We're excited," Todd said. "UGA HEROs makes dreams come true."

For a video of today's cow parachuting click here.

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