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Coaster marathon at Kings Island to help kids with life-threatening illness

Provided Riders participating in "Coasting for Kids 2011" at Kings Island this Sunday, July 24, will be raising money for Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit resort that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Now in its second year at Kings Island, "Coasting for Kids" is a company-wide effort at all 11 Cedar Fair Entertainment Company amusement parks.

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By Eric Schwartzberg, Staff Writer Updated 3:02 PM Wednesday, July 20, 2011

MASON — Riders on Kings Island’s original roller coaster this Sunday will be in it for more than just the thrills.

That’s because they’ll be participating in “Coasting for Kids 2011,” which raises money for Give Kids The World Village, a central Florida non-profit resort that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Participants, who must raise at least $75 for Give Kids The World by Saturday to take part in the Sunday event, will get to repeatedly ride The Racer from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Prizes will be given to the top three fundraisers.

Businesses or groups may also help raise money for Give Kids The World by signing up as a team.

All participants will receive complimentary admission to Kings Island, a “Coasting for Kids” T-shirt, lunch and unlimited rides on The Racer, which has given more than 94 million rides since 1972, the most in park history.

Now in its second year at Kings Island, “Coasting for Kids” is a company-wide effort at all 11 Cedar Fair Entertainment Company amusement parks.

Bryan Edwards, spokesman for Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., said “Coasting for Kids is one of the company’s favorite events.

“In just two years, we have raised more than $40,000 for Give Kids The World and we are hoping to double that number this year,” he said.

Last year, during its first year at Kings Island, the event raised about $2,100, according to GKTW spokeswoman Colette Krahenbuhl. This year’s effort had amassed $5,109 by Tuesday, she said.

April Carpenter of Hamilton knows first-hand the joy Give Kids The World Village can bring to children. At 3 years old, her son Michael was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancerous, malignant tumor of the muscles that are attached to the bones, and visited the village during his chemotherapy.

Michael, who is now 14, will be raising funds again this year for “Coasting for Kids.”

Carpenter said she appreciates the efforts of those who participate in the event.

“It just means a lot,” she said. “We’ve been there and we know what a wonderful place it is. It was a nice break.”

To participate, visit www.firstgiving.com/gktw/KI. For more information, write to dream@gktw.org or visit www.gktw.org.

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