GCR Invites the Public to be Santa this September
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ (Sept. 1, 2005)-Grand Canyon Railway is making its annual Polar Express charity train a little more charitable this year with the development of a special program - Santa in September. In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Yavapai and Central Arizona, Grand Canyon Railway is inviting the general public to play "Santa" for a special child by purchasing a seat for him or her aboard Grand Canyon Railway's magical Polar Express train. "There's nothing quite like the joy on a child's face as they ride The Polar Express. We're thrilled to not only host the kids of Big Brothers Big Sisters, but to also raise substantial funds to support the organization," said David Chambers, president of Grand Canyon Railway. Grand Canyon Railway has set a goal of selling 700 Santa in September seats for northern Arizona and 500 for central Arizona. With each child's ticket retailing at $10 and 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to BBBS, the program could raise up to $12,000 for the organizations and their stellar community programs. "We are so grateful to the Grand Canyon Railway. They have always been a great partner and supporter of our program. Over the last three years, they've also given the children in our program great memories of riding the Polar Express with their Bigs," said Meg Heneghan, development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. This is the inaugural year for the Santa in September program. The Polar Express charity train will run at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10 for the children of northern Arizona and 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 for the children from the central Arizona chapter. "This is such a great event. Not only will some our Little's be able to experience the Polar Express, but we will also be able use the financial contributions to match Little's that have been waiting for quality mentors," said Scott Weesner, Event Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. The public can participate in the Santa in September program by calling Grand Canyon Railway at 1-800-THE-TRAIN. Each Santa in September donor will receive a letter of thanks and donation receipt from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz. and the Grand Canyon. The Railway offers five distinct classes of service, as well as money-saving packages featuring the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Overnight stays at the Grand Canyon also can be included in the packages. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and the Kaibab National Forest. For more information on The Polar Express and to make reservations, visit www.TheTrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).
