Riding Roller Coasters for a Cause

SANDUSKY, Ohio, June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN) announced today that amusement park enthusiasts across the country will have the chance again this summer to ride roller coasters for a cause. On Sunday, July 24, all 11 of the company's amusement parks will participate in the third annual "Coasting for Kids" fundraiser. This marathon roller coaster event will help raise money for Give Kids The World (GKTW), a Central Florida non-profit resort that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Park fans and roller coaster aficionados alike are invited to spend the day riding a signature thrill ride while making a difference in the lives of children. Featured rides include the legendary Magnum XL-200 and Gemini roller coasters at Cedar Point, Shivering Timbers at Michigan's Adventure, Jaguar at Knott's Berry Farm, the Racer at Kings Island and many more.  

"'Coasting for Kids' is one of our favorite events," said Bryan Edwards, spokesperson for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.  "In just two years, we have raised more than $40,000 for Give Kids The World and we are hoping to double that number this year."

Interested participants can sign up and create an individual fundraising page on the "Coasting for Kids" website.  Businesses or groups can also help raise money for Give Kids The World by signing up as a team.  Entrants will receive complimentary admission to the park of their choice, a "Coasting for Kids" t-shirt and unlimited rides on the event's featured attraction. Each park will also offer additional event perks unique to their location. Those that take part are encouraged to reach out to their families, friends and communities to support them in this fundraising event for Give Kids The World.

"We are thrilled that Cedar Fair Entertainment Company is hosting 'Coasting for Kids' for the third year in a row," said GKTW President Pamela Landwirth. "Riding roller coasters to raise money for children in need is one of the most fun ways a family can spend a summer day. The support we receive from this event will help GKTW continue its mission to create magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses."

"Coasting for Kids" will take place at 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.).

For more information and to register to participate in "Coasting for Kids," visit www.givekidstheworld.org/coastingforkids. 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 or facebook.com/gktwvillage.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: "FUN") is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio.  The Company, which owns and operates 11 amusement parks, six outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world.  Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario.  Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California under a management contract.  Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, has been consistently voted the "Best Amusement Park in the World" in a prestigious annual poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper. 

About Give Kids The World:

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 107,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. For more information about GKTW and its mission, visit givekidstheworld.org.

SOURCE Cedar Fair Entertainment Company