Santa Escapes To Chicago to Find Himself in Free Online Game

CHICAGO, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- How do you deal with a mid-life crisis?  If you're Santa, you steal away to Chicago on a golden rocket to find yourself through art, food and music. That's the premise of a free holiday game being released this week by Vertical, Incorporated, a Chicago-based marketing communications firm.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121204/CG22101)

Go Go Santa (www.gogosanta.com) was created as a free holiday game that promotes five not-for-profit arts and education organizations in Chicago, according to Vertical President Michael J. Keating. "While charitable giving is recovering, it slowed down during the recession and affected many small, really great organizations," Keating said. "We wanted to create a holiday greeting that promotes the spirit of giving in a fun way and calls attention to organizations we support."

Go Go Santa features exciting Chicago neighborhoods, including Bridgeport, Bucktown and Chinatown. Each level will include neighborhood-specific details like double-decker cyclists, el trains and our iconic ballparks.

Players pilot Santa on his rocket through the neighborhoods, earning points they will allocate among five charities, Keating said. The points determine the amount each not-for-profit group will receive from Vertical's annual contribution allotment. The game also encourages individuals to donate directly to each organization.

Not-for-profits highlighted in this year's game include:

• 16th Street Theater
• Chicago Dramatists
• Girls Rock! Chicago
• Snow City Arts
• The Arts of Life

Go Go Santa is available online at gogosanta.com and Google Play. Using touch-screen devices, players guide Santa's rocket through Chicago to collect bells and coins, all while avoiding flying taxis and renegade reindeer.

Once players clear a level they can allocate their points to one or more of the charities. Point allocation will be accepted through December 28. Points translate into a monetary donation from Vertical. Once players donate, they can see how much their score has helped support the organization they chose.

Follow Go Go Santa on Twitter @ChitownSanta for updates on the game, the charities and prizes.  Go Go Santa can also be followed on facebook.com/gogosanta.

Vertical, Incorporated creates and executes marketing and marketing communications programs for national and multi-national corporations. Located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, Vertical is dedicated to helping large and small corporations compete more successfully. Vertical also helps companies adopt marketing practices that support their sustainability goals. In addition, Vertical actively supports non-profit organizations that enrich Chicago through arts and education. Go to www.verticalincorporated.com.

SOURCE Vertical, Incorporated