[i][Note from mod: This artical was copied directly from [url=http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/]Ultimate Roller Coaster[/url]. -Tom][/i]

July 27, 2001

Roller Coaster Record Attempt to Raise Money For Kids

Eric Gieszl
News Editor

Harrisburg, PA -- A team of four will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most roller coasters ridden in a 24-hour period in early August to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

The team will attempt to ride more than 50 different coasters starting in Virginia and ending in Pennsylvania on August 3. During the journey the group will visit Paramount's Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA), Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA), Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ), Dorney Park (Allentown, PA), Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA) and conclude the attempt at Hersheypark (Hershey, PA).

"If a man can pay twenty-million to go up in space then surely five to ten thousand dollars is reasonable for this feat." said Phil Guarno, General Manager of the Harrisburg-Hershey Marriott who organized this attempt. "This will be a once in a lifetime experience for a true roller coaster enthusiast." noted Guarno.

Guarno set a goal to raise $50,000 for the children's charity through donations from corporate sponsors. The Rite Aid Corporation donated the use of their corporate helicopter for one leg of the journey to make the record attempt possible.

The first of four spots on the team was initially sold for an undisclosed amount and the three remaining spots were auctioned off to the highest bidder with bids starting at $5,000.

The current Guinness World Record for the most coasters ridden in 24 hours is held by a group of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) members who completed the feat in October 2000. The group of seven led by ACE Public Relations Director David Escalante successfully rode 40 different roller coasters in California during a 24-hour period.