"Coasting For Kids" Raises Over $62,000 for Give Kids The World

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 250 amusement park enthusiasts rode roller coasters for a cause on July 24 as part of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company's (NYSE: FUN) "Coasting For Kids" event. Held at 11 Cedar Fair parks across North America, the marathon coaster event helped raise more than $62,000 for Give Kids The World (GKTW), a Central Florida non-profit resort that provides cost-free vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.  

Catherine Parkins from Dearborn Heights, Mich., rode the Magnum and Gemini rides at Cedar Point Amusement Park 23 and 21 times, respectively, to raise over $3,000 for GKTW. Supported by donation pledges made by her friends and family, Catherine rode in honor of her brother, Erik, who passed away from muscle cancer in 1992. GKTW helped fulfill Erik's one wish to meet Mickey Mouse and visit Walt Disney World.

Said Erik's mother, Nancy Parkins, "Give Kids The World changed my son's life. As a former wish family, we're touched by Cedar Fair's generosity in hosting the 'Coasting For Kids' fundraiser."

"Coasting For Kids" is an annual event that offers amusement park enthusiasts complimentary admission to the Cedar Fair park of their choice, a "Coasting For Kids" t-shirt and unlimited rides on the event's featured attraction in exchange for a $40 - $75 donation to GKTW. Participants were encouraged to reach out to their families, friends and communities to support them in their fundraising efforts for Give Kids The World.

"I successfully completed 40 laps on Behemoth in memory of two friends that I lost when I was young, due to life-threatening illnesses," said Kathryn Weachter, a participant at Canada's Wonderland theme park. "I am thrilled and honored that I was able to participate."

"Cedar Fair is proud to be the host of 'Coasting For Kids'.  It is such a worthwhile cause," said Dick Kinzel, CEO of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.  "Give Kids The World has created so many great times and special memories for families across the world, and we are happy to assist their efforts."

GKTW President Pam Landwirth stated, "Give Kids The World shares our heartfelt thanks with the Cedar Fair Entertainment family for hosting this event for the third straight year, as well as with all of the coaster enthusiasts who rode roller coasters across the U.S. and Canada a dizzying number of times to help provide magical vacation experiences for children who need them the most."

Participating Cedar Fair amusement parks included Cedar Point, (Ohio); Kings Island (Ohio); Canada's Wonderland (Ontario, Canada); Dorney Park (Pa.); Valleyfair (Minn.);  Michigan's Adventure (Mich.); Kings Dominion (Va.); Carowinds (N.C.); Worlds of Fun (Mo.); Knott's Berry Farm (Calif.); and California's Great America (Calif.).

SOURCE Give Kids The World