News: Cedar Fair parks to host a Day of Laugh and Play

Posted at 12:02 PM EDT (1602 GMT)

Aug. 19th, 2008 -- Charlotte, NC – Every child deserves love and joy, and days that are truly special to laugh and play and this Sunday, August 24, thousands of children will experience such a day at Carowinds and its sister Cedar Fair parks across the country and in Canada.

As a very special tribute to her mother’s love for children, Pati Slesinger, daughter of Shirley Slesinger Lasswell who passed away last year, will honor her mother with “A Day to Laugh and Play”.   “My mother, who was more famously known for her association with Winnie the Pooh and other characters, was brought up in the Depression and there were times in her life when she had nothing, but she lifted herself up out of poverty and made it her life’s goal to bring smiles and joy to children.   I’m just stepping into her very beautiful shoes that come with some very profound marching orders” said Ms. Slesinger Laswell of the second annual event.

“A Day of Laugh and Play” reaches underprivileged kids of all cultures and backgrounds by hosting them to a day of good old fashioned fun at Carowinds in North Carolina ,Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park; Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto; Cedar Point in Ohio, Michigan’s Adventure, and Soak City in Chula Vista. Children will be coming from state agencies and grass root organizations such as Alexander Youth Network, Children’s Attention Home of Rock Hill, A Child’s Place, Thompson’s Child Development Center of Matthews, and Youth Homes, Inc., to name a few.  In all, 3,500 children are anticipated to be a part of this special day which will also include lunch and a gift from Ms. Slesinger.

“In a very personal way, sharing my mother’s love directly with the kids she served is a way to ease the grieving process. We are planting the seeds so that her love will grow and light the way for every child to laugh and play,” said Ms. Slesinger.