Coasting For Kids welcomes roller coaster enthusiasts to ride for a cause on Sunday, June 9

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company hosts fifth annual Coasting For Kids marathon fundraiser to benefit Give Kids The World

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Give Kids The World Press Release

(KISSIMMEE, FLA.) February 11, 2013 –Roller coaster enthusiasts can ride for a cause again this year at the Fifth Annual Coasting For Kids event, which will be held on Sunday, June 9, at 10 Cedar Fair amusement parks across North America. Participants of this marathon coaster event are invited to ride a signature attraction a jaw-dropping number of times to help raise funds for Give Kids The World Village (GKTW), a Central Florida nonprofit “storybook” resort that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world.

The high-octane event offers coaster fanatics complimentary admission to the Cedar Fair theme park of their choice in exchange for a $25 registration fee and a minimum fundraising donation of $75, both of which will be donated directly to GKTW. Participants will also receive a limited edition 2013 Coasting For Kids t-shirt and exclusive riding privileges on a signature thrill ride at each park. Featured rides include the legendary Magnum XL-200 and Gemini roller coasters at Cedar Point, Diamondback and Racer at Kings Island, Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion and many more. Participants are encouraged to reach out to their families, friends and communities to support them in their fundraising efforts for GKTW and those who raise at least $1,000 will receive a unique “top-fundraiser” shirt as well as a special day-of perk from each park.

“Families, particularly children, are the driving force behind all of Cedar Fair’s parks,” said Annie Zelm, spokeswoman for Cedar Point, Cedar Fair’s flagship park. “Our rides and attractions give them a rare opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life, and our partnership with Give Kids The World helps make that possible for families who need a day of fun more than ever. We are proud of our parks’ combined efforts to raise funds so these deserving families can look forward to a vacation they’ll treasure for years.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company on Coasting For Kids for the fifth consecutive year,” said GKTW President Pamela Landwirth. “Through the dedication and generosity of Cedar Fair, our sponsors and hundreds of amazing coaster enthusiasts, Give Kids The World will be able to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for thousands of children who need it the most.”

Coasting For Kids, which began at one location in 2009, has grown tremendously over the last five years thanks to the tireless efforts of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the coaster participants and club sponsors including: American Coaster Enthusiasts, CoasterBuzz, Great Ohio Coaster Club, The Coaster Crew, and Theme Park Review. To date, the event has raised almost $220,000 towards the charity’s mission of providing magical memories for children battling life-threatening illnesses and their families.

This year’s Coasting For Kids event will take place at California’s Great America (Calif.); Canada’s Wonderland (Ontario, Canada); Carowinds (N.C.); Cedar Point (Ohio); Dorney Park (Pa.); Kings Island (Ohio); Knott’s Berry Farm (Calif.); Valleyfair (Minn.);  Michigan’s Adventure (Mich.) and Worlds of Fun (Mo.).

For more information and to register to participate in Coasting For Kids, visit coastingforkids.org. Space at each park is limited. To learn more about how this fundraiser will make a difference in the life of a child, please visit givekidstheworld.org.