March 10, 2009

Contact Information
Amanda Schelling, Chair
Big John Kahuna Fund for Special Olympics Michigan
616-340-6969
amanda@kahunafund.org
www.kahunafund.org

Local Philanthropists Volunteer to Help You and Special Olympics

Press Conference

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at Woodland Mall in front of the Information Center from 5:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m. with Peter Secchia

Story

Kentwood, Michigan, March 11, 2009. Volunteers are needed at the nine-hole, indoor miniature golf course fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan in Woodland Mall, so Peter Secchia and John Loeks quickly agreed to be first in line this Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

"I have never asked anyone to do anything I am not willing to do myself," said Secchia, "The Loeks family share the same West Michigan values of giving back all of us do. Our intent has always been to create an entertaining and affordable way for everyone to get to know Special Olympics and make a difference in the lives of local athletes."

Celebration! Cinema with Loeks partnered early on and created the Family Fun Night that includes golf, dinner, and a movie for a family and other groups of four. It has been a very popular option at the mall who serves as host of the event which is open to the public until March 29, 2009.

"This is a unique fundraiser that we wanted to be a part of for three special reasons – families, affordable entertainment, and the athletes." said Loeks, "On occasions we can make movie magic a reality for everyone involved."

The event at Woodland is part of a campaign co-chaired by Secchia raising $150,000 to bring Special Olympics Michigan's Basketball Tournament Finals to Grandville on March 27-28, 2009. Secchia shared that $60,000 has been raised to date with another financial report due this Friday.

Behind the scenes is a group of volunteers that is led by Amanda Schelling under the guise of Big John Kahuna Fund. Indoor miniature golf is their initiative and they sent word out on Monday for help.

"I was not surprised that Peter and Mr. Loeks decided to assist in getting the word out," said Schelling, "but it sure is a treat that they are our first volunteers."

Individuals can play the miniature golf course for $5, with students and seniors getting a $1 discount, and families of four can play golf only for $15. All proceeds from this event stay in Greater Grand Rapids to support the basketball tournament.

About Celebration! Cinema:  John Loeks owns and operates theatres in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Lansing, Mt. Pleasant, Benton Harbor/St Joseph and Kalamazoo/Portage.  Celebration! Cinema is a state-of-the-art shared entertainment experience with first rate amenities at each location. For more information  visit  www.celebrationcinema.com


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