News: Hersheypark's Ride For Relief 2

Posted at 1:23 PM EDT (1723 GMT)

Sep. 19th, 2005 -- HERSHEY, PA – On Friday, September 23, Hersheypark will be open to the public from 5 to 10 p.m. to host a fund raising event to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The ticket price is $15 for ages 3 and older; ages 2 and younger are admitted at no charge and parking will be free. Tickets can be purchased at the Hersheypark Main Gate or online at www.hersheypark.com. Total proceeds from the admission sales for the evening will be donated to The American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Proceeds will be divided equally between the two relief organizations. 

“Ride For Relief 2” is the second fund-raising event co-sponsored by Hersheypark and WGAL-TV8. On September 29, 2001,  “Ride For Relief” was held to benefit the victims of the September 11th tragedy.

“Once news of Hurricane Katrina's devastation hit home, our employees expressed their concern and an interest in assisting with current relief efforts,” said Scott J. Newkam, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co.  “It is that desire to help which brought all of us together to establish ‘Ride for Relief 2.’ Through our collective efforts in contributing time, energy, and income, we hope to make a difference in all the innocent lives in the Gulf Coast region that have been affected by this natural disaster.” 

“WGAL is proud to be partnering with Hersheypark to raise funds for this worthwhile cause,” said Paul Quinn, President and General Manger, WGAL-TV 8. “The people in the Susquehanna Valley have a great tradition of helping those in need, especially in times of adversity.  We are anxious to do our part to insure the success of this fund raising event.”

More than 50 rides, including the Park’s 10 roller coasters, will be open for the evening. In addition, naturalists from ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will showcase animals from the Gulf Coast region.

A variety of rescue vehicles from both FEMA and the Pennsylvania State Police are scheduled to be at the event. Guests will have the opportunity to view the vehicles and learn more about what happens during a natural disaster.

The evening also includes live musical performances by several groups.  A sampling of Cajun foods, including jambalaya and red beans and rice, also will be available for guests to enjoy. In addition, guests will be able to register to win a variety of prizes.

For more information about Ride for Relief 2, please visit the website at www.hersheypark.com or call 1-800-HERSHEY.