SECOND ANNUAL “A WALK IN THE PARK” INSPIRES THOUSANDS
NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ — Six Flags Inc., (OTCBulletinBoard: SIXFQ) announced today that more than 8,000 Six Flags Friends across the country have contributed their time and resources in an effort to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer programs. Over 2,500 walkers have donned walking shoes during the company’s annual “A Walk In The Park” events this season. In addition, more than 5,500 donors have generously contributed to the cause, bringing the current funds raised in 2009 to more than $250,000, a 170% increase over last year.
“We are very excited by the growth and attention the walks have garnered in a very short period of time,” said Jessica King, Director of Six Flags Friends. “Our goal is for ‘A Walk In The Park’ to become the premier annual pediatric cancer event, not only by raising much-needed dollars, but by celebrating the journey of these special children year after year at our parks.”
Six Flags Friends, the philanthropic arm of Six Flags, was established in 2007 to create a platform for Six Flags’ 25 million guests and over 30,000 employees to give back through innovative opportunities that merge the thrill of Six Flags with worthy causes such as Cure Kids Cancer.
Among the most impressive of this year’s walk participants is 7-year-old Hannah Durante of Plainfield, IL who has invited her entire community, including Oprah Winfrey, to join her team at Six Flags Great America on June 27. Though Winfrey is unavailable to join Hannah at the walk, she did donate $1,240 towards her team, matching the total that Durante has raised through early June. The iconic talk show host also posted a message on Durante’s “A Walk in the Park” message board that said, “Hannah, You have inspired everyone to make a difference. Continue!”
Other celebrities have given their time and resources for the cause as well. NFL Hall of Famer, Steve Young, was named the 2009 national spokesperson and helped recruit walkers through a variety of TV and radio PSAs. Additionally, several of the Professional Bowlers Association top stars took part in the walk at Six Flags Great Adventure. Together, the team of five bowlers – 2008-09 Player of the Year, Wes Malott, along with Hall of Famers, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Parker Bohn III, Pete Weber and Norm Duke and two-time PBA Tour champion Rhino Page raised a total of $2,250.
Registration is still open for both walkers and cancer patients at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL and Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, MO. Those interested may visit walkinthparks.org for a complete list of dates and to register to walk. Registration is $15 for an individual, $10 for those who join as a team of ten or more and free for cancer patients. All fees include breakfast the morning of the event, t-shirt and a gift bag. Participants who raise at least $50 will receive a complimentary ticket to the park. Donations for all 2009 “A Walk In The Park” events will be accepted through August 31, 2009. If you would like information about the 2010 walks, please email info@walkintheparks.org.
About Six Flags Friends:
Six Flags Friends is a series of programs throughout the Six Flags family of parks that make a difference in communities by encouraging local involvement, supporting the mission of various non-profit organizations, and bringing the thrill of Six Flags to children and families across North America.
About Six Flags:
Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly-traded corporation headquartered in New York City and is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
About Cure Kids Cancer:
Cure Kids Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and saving the lives of children with cancer by raising funds for local pediatric programs. The 170 Cure Kids Cancer hospitals provide diagnosis, life-saving cancer treatments, cutting-edge research and pediatric cancer education programs that help children with cancer and their families find hope for the future. Your donation goes to the local hospital that helps children with cancer in your community.
SOURCE: Six Flags Friends
