Win $5,000 And Help Needy Kids -- Salvation Army Slates Fourth Annual "Most Amazing Race"

CARNEGIE, Pa., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Are you up for a challenge and the chance to win thousands of dollars?  If you have what it takes, The Salvation Army wants you!  The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army is proud to present its fourth annual "Most Amazing Race." Slated for Saturday, September 22^nd and patterned after a well-known television reality race show, the "Most Amazing Race" combines physical, mental and creative challenges that propel participants to act outside their comfort zone.  Beginning at Pittsburgh's Station Square, contestants will converge all over the city in an effort to win the ultimate prize of $5,000.

"Our goal is to raise funds and awareness for youth programs in Allegheny County," said Major Mark Mackneer, The Salvation Army's Allegheny County Coordinator.  "During these past few years, the financial downturn has hurt everyone. Our donors have less to give and many more families have far greater needs.  Unfortunately, the children get caught in the crossfire.  Proceeds from this event will help us to better meet the needs of local needy kids."

This year, The Salvation Army is accepting 50 teams of two people, who must raise a minimum of $250 in order to qualify for the race. Only the top 50 fundraising teams will be accepted into the race, so securing a spot is determined by how well a team fundraises against another.  The more funds that are raised for The Salvation Army, the more advantages teams will have in the event.  In addition to the grand prize of $5,000 sponsored by PNC Bank for the first place finishers of the race, there are valuable prizes for the second and third place teams.  The team that raises the most money will be awarded with first class, round trip airfare courtesy of Delta Airlines, and additional prizes will be presented to second and third place fundraisers as well.

From the starting line, teams will be given a clue leading them to a specific location and they will follow subsequent clues until the end of the race.  They can use an approved transportation mode to navigate to different target areas throughout the race or simply use their own two feet to get from place to place. Upon arriving at the various points throughout the day, participants are required to complete challenges, some physical, some mental, and some even silly, in order to receive the next clue.  "Incorporating the various challenges equals the playing field for those who might not be trained athletes.  It helps to be in good shape, but you certainly don't need to be a marathon runner to be competitive in this event," said Frank Eyth of Grassroots Racing, who designs the course for the race. 

"This event would not be possible without the generous support of our many sponsors, including:  Home Depot; FedEx Ground; PNC Bank; MSA and numerous other community-minded businesses that are opening their doors and assisting with specific challenges," said Donna Fencik, The Salvation Army's "Most Amazing Race" coordinator.  "Corporate sponsors and volunteers are still being accepted and we welcome anyone who is interested to contact me for more information on how to get involved in this exciting event," said Fencik.

For more information regarding the event, contact Donna Fencik, "Most Amazing Race" coordinator at 412-446-1644, or to register for the event log onto www.mostamazingrace.org.  Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 124 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army