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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 26, 2018) – A unique partnership between Busch Gardens® Williamsburg, Water Country USA® and Boys & Girls Clubs local chapters enters its second year in providing experiences that matter to area children.
”Kids are special to us at Busch Gardens,” said park President Kevin Lembke. “We had such a successful start to this partnership last year, it just made sense to keep it going. We’re proud to continue this collaboration which benefits youth in our region.”
The chapters involved this year include Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula; Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
Area residents can get involved in the movement of making a difference for the children, too. When someone joins the park’s new Membership Program May 1- May 31, a single-day ticket to the parks will be donated on the guest’s behalf to provide a day of fun to a deserving child. Boys & Girls Clubs will distribute the tickets throughout the year for field trips and in-park educational opportunities.
Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are dedicated to enriching the lives of children. Through this extensive donation program, park team members will connect with Club members to provide meaningful experiences involving different cultures, career opportunities and conservation efforts.
"One of our priorities is to create unique experiences for our Club members, and partnering with Busch Gardens last summer allowed our Club members to visit and enjoy the park, some of who had never been before," said Hal Smith, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. "We're looking forward to the opportunity to provide this experience to thousands of youth again this summer with Busch Gardens."
The park’s landscaping team recently hosted a garden planting at Busch Gardens with Club members. The Boys & Girls Clubs Garden, which can be found near the France village, is designed to raise awareness about the partnership and to show children the value of giving back to the community.
“Last year, Club members from all eleven of our Clubs throughout seven cities were able to participate in this great experience,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia President & CEO Kevin Will said. “For some it was a dream that is now a reality. We are honored and excited to be part of the Busch Gardens family again this year and continue to make lasting memories."
For more information or to purchase a Membership, please visit buschgardens.com/joinBGW or call (757) 229-4386.
About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld®rescue team has helped more than 31,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.
The company owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States. The company's theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company. Visitwww.seaworldentertainment.comfor more information.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters rel="noopener noreferrer" are located in Atlanta. Learn rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" more at Facebook and Twitter.
