Be the first to ride Cedar Point's Rougarou

First rider auction to benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation

Monday, 09 March 2015

Cedar Point Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio (March 9, 2015) – Cedar Point, “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®,” and the LeBron James Family Foundation are giving thrill-seekers the chance to be the inaugural riders on the park’s first floorless roller coaster — Rougarou! The first rider auction is a fundraising event which benefits the LeBron James Family Foundation.

Bidding is now open to be one of Rougarou’s first 64 public riders at a special event on Friday, May 8 from 5-7 p.m. In addition to the ability to choose their seat, those 64 riders will each receive:

  • Commemorative Medallion — featuring Rougarou and the LeBron James Family Foundation
  • Rougarou Ball Cap — limited edition, featuring the Rougarou logo
  • Cedar Point Tickets — two (2), one-day tickets to Cedar Point, a value of more than $120

The top eight bidders will also each receive a rare Nike LeBron James St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball jersey.

“We are thrilled to be working with Cedar Point on this unique first rider opportunity that for us, is far more than a roller coaster ride,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “Not only will participants get the thrill of riding Rougarou first, but they will help us continue our mission of positively affecting the lives of children and young adults right here in Ohio.”

Last summer, Cedar Point and the LeBron James Family Foundation announced they had formed a new multi-year partnership, highlighted by this year’s first ride auction and the park hosting the foundation’s annual “I PROMISE Family Reunion” event.

Anyone who participates and places the minimum bid of $123 will be invited to the first rider event and receive the Commemorative Medallion. Bidding for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is open now through Sunday, May 3. Interested participants can place an initial bid, or raise their bid, online at www.cedarpoint.com/FirstRideAuction.

For more information about the park, log on to www.cedarpoint.com. Cedar Point opens for the 2015 season on Saturday, May 9.

About the LeBron James Family Foundation

Founded in 2004, the LeBron James Family Foundation empowers children and single-parent households through innovative programming and initiatives, strengthening the ties between family members and building hope through education, physical fitness and better health for those who are dealing with adversity. The LeBron James Family Foundation is aggressively implementing initiatives that have real, meaningful impact in the lives of children across the United States. Staffed entirely by volunteers, including LeBron’s mother Gloria, wife Savannah James, and business partner Maverick Carter, the LJFF staff is dedicated to carrying out this mission. In 2011, in partnership with the Akron Public Schools, the LeBron James Family Foundation began working on the high school dropout crisis facing the Akron community and launched the “Wheels for Education” program. This groundbreaking initiative targets third graders and provides them with the programs, support and mentors they need for success in school.