Cedar Point Announces GateKeeper Auction For Charity

SANDUSKY, Ohio, April 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Point amusement park/resort is known for generating screams among thrill seekers, but it also generates tens of thousands of dollars for charities each year.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120813/CL56180-a ) 

For the 2013 season, the park is pleased to announce several exciting opportunities for guests to help a great cause while having their best day ever!

FIRST RIDE AUCTION
The addition of a new wing roller coaster, GateKeeper, gives Cedar Point a unique way to raise money for two outstanding organizations! The park is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital and United Way of Erie County, each of which have 32 seats available to bidders.  Those who place the top bids will secure their seats for the first official ride on GateKeeper on Cedar Point's Opening Day, May 11.

In exchange for their donations, the top 32 winning bidders will also receive complimentary admission and early entry to Cedar Point, breakfast and special souvenirs, including a T-shirt, medallion and on-ride photo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take flight on GateKeeper, Cedar Point's 16^th roller coaster, while helping local residents and children.

Bidding starts today, April 10, 2013, and will be open until 9 p.m. Monday, May 6, 2013.

To place a bid for Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, click here: http://www.cedarpoint.com/carouselsforkids
To place a bid for United Way, click here: http://www.uwerieco.org

CAROUSELS FOR KIDS
As part of an ongoing partnership, Cedar Point and Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital have announced plans for the first-ever Carousels for Kids fundraiser, a program designed to help the hospital's patients experience childhood joy again. There are several ways to get involved:

Beginning in May, participants can purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a brand new car from Tim Lally Chevrolet. The car will be displayed inside the park. Tickets are just $5, and proceeds help researchers achieve breakthroughs in pediatric diseases and treatments.

Throughout the month of July, Cedar Point's guests can show their support just by taking a spin on any of Cedar Point's three carousels! The park will donate 10 cents for every rider on the Midway Carousel, Kiddy Kingdom Carousel and Cedar Downs Racing Derby on the Main Midway.

"Our ultimate goal is to return kids to fun, and Cedar Point is the ideal partner because fun is their foundation," said Giovanni Piedimonte, M.D., chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Institute and Children's Hospital. "This campaign allows every single person the chance to help our patients and have fun in the process."

Cedar Point's vice president and general manager John Hildebrandt said the park is proud to be part of the first ride auctions and Carousels for Kids as part of an ongoing initiative to give back to the community in a multitude of ways.

"The teams here at Cedar Point, the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital and United Way of Erie County share many of the same values and are family-focused, so it just made perfect sense for our three organizations to come together to help those who need it the most," he said.

Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, its patients and initiatives by visiting www.cedarpoint.com/carouselsforkids.

Cedar Point will open for its 144th season on May 11, 2013, with its new wing roller coaster, GateKeeper. For more information, log on to www.cedarpoint.com. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter for daily updates, and check out our YouTube channel for video of GateKeeper and more!  Hi-res photos and videos of GateKeeper can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/gkdownload

About the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital: The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital is committed to providing world-class care for all children and their families on its main campus and throughout northern Ohio.  With nationally and internationally renowned pediatricians and specialists, the hospital has consistently ranked among the "Best Children's Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, please visit http://clevelandclinic.org/childrens

About United Way of Erie County: United Way of Erie County funds 23 programs provided by community agencies as well as six programs of its own which assist Erie County residents in a variety of ways. It is invested in helping children and adults achieve their potential through education, income assistance and physical and mental health services. To learn more about its programs and partner agencies, please visit www.uwerieco.org

SOURCE Cedar Point amusement park/resort