SIX FLAGS UNITES COMMUNITIES TO FIND A CURE FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER
22 June 2009 - 11:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
SECOND ANNUAL "A WALK IN THE PARK" INSPIRES THOUSANDS NEW YORK,
June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Inc., (OTC: SIXFQ) (BULLETIN
BOARD: 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 . 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. DATASOURCE: Six Flags
Friends CONTACT: Jessica King, +1-212-652-9361, ftp://ftp.com, for
Six Flags Friends
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