Kings Dominion to Partner with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation for the Intimidator(TM)305 First Rider Charity Auction

DOSWELL, Va., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The most exciting ride in Kings Dominion's 35-year history will debut Friday April 2, 2010.  The amusement park has partnered with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation to introduce this 305-foot tall, 93 mph $25 million steel Giga-coaster to the world by auctioning the first public rides to charity.  Intimidator™305, inspired by one of stock car racing's most beloved and tenacious drivers, Dale Earnhardt, "The Intimidator™" is the tallest and fastest roller coaster of its type on the East Coast.

"Intimidator™305 is the largest single investment in Kings Dominion history," said Pat Jones Kings Dominion's vice president and general manager.  "Roller coaster enthusiasts and Dale Earnhardt fans alike will be thrilled to take a lap around the twisting track of this mammoth scream machine.  We are also very excited to partner with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and our local partners to make a difference in our communities."

Kings Dominion and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation are teaming up with Make-a-Wish Foundation®, Challenge Discovery Projects Inc. (Richmond, VA) and the USO of Hampton Roads to hold the first rider auction.  Starting February 3, through 11:59pm Thursday March 25, 2010, guests can bid on their chance to win a seat on one of the first four (4) trains released on opening day Friday April 2, 2010.  All proceeds will go directly to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation®, Challenge Discovery Projects Inc. and the USO of Hampton Roads.

The mission of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation is to "Continue The Legend™" and legacy of Dale Earnhardt through charitable programs and grants that sustain his life long commitment to children, education and environmental/wildlife preservation.

Make-A-Wish Foundation^® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Challenge Discovery Projects Inc. is a local Richmond non-profit that works to improve the quality of life and livelihood of at-risk youth and families in Greater Richmond.  "Say It With Heart" is Challenge Discovery Projects' bullying prevention program that places trained professionals in several Richmond elementary and middle schools where they teach non-violent interpersonal skills to students, teachers and parents.

The USO's mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families worldwide and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. Military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.

"We are delighted to partner with Kings Dominion to commemorate Dale's legacy with the Intimidator™305 roller coaster,' said Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.  "As we 'Continue The Legend' with the Dale Earnhardt Foundation we are especially pleased that through our efforts several other worthy charities stand to benefit as well."

Kings Dominion has a long standing commitment to working with local charitable organizations.  The Park annually hosts USO Kids Day, with USO Hampton Roads and the Joint Services Exceptional Family Member Program, to offer a care free trip to Kings Dominion for these very special children and their families.  Kings Dominion also hosts numerous Make-A-Wish families throughout each season for a day of family fun at the park.

For more information on the Intimidator™305 First Rider Charity Auction or to participate, go to www.intimidator305.com/public/auction.  The bidding will begin at $100 per seat for the first four trains to leave the station on Friday April 2, 2010, opening day.  Winning bidders will receive one (1) seat on one of the first four trains on opening day, along with two (2) tickets to the Kings Dominion and a first rider commemorative prize pack.  Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting John Pagel at [email protected].  

Kings Dominion is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN."  In addition to Kings Dominion, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six waterparks, one indoor waterpark resort, and five hotels.  Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

SOURCE Kings Dominion