Win $5,000 and Help Needy Kids - Salvation Army Slates Third Annual Pittsburgh's "Most Amazing Race"

CARNEGIE, Pa., Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Are you up for a challenge and the chance to win $5,000? If you have what it takes, The Salvation Army wants you! The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army is proud to present its third annual "Most Amazing Race." Slated for Saturday, October 1st and sponsored by PNC Bank and Home Depot and patterned after a well-known scavenger television hunt/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 Pittsburgh in an effort to win the ultimate prize.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/MM81995LOGO )

"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.  "In this tough economy, our children suffer considerably.  We want to not just raise money, but educate the public about the needs within their own neighborhoods.  During this past year, we have had thousands more individuals apply for help for the very first time. The need is tremendous and it continues to grow."

This year, The Salvation Army is accepting 50 teams of two people, who must present 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, there are top prizes for the second and third place teams.

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 locations throughout the race or simply use their own two feet to get from place to place. Upon arriving at the various locations throughout the day, they are required to complete a task in order to receive the next clue.

For more information regarding the event, contact Melissa Wagner, "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 120 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