The Kings Island amusement park in Ohio bagged the Guinness World Records for the most number of people applying sunscreen at the same time in its month-long initiative to raise awareness and funding for research, care and treatment against cancers, particularly melanoma, affecting many people today.
Saturday’s event, which is part of the Kings Island Kicks Cancer Days, gathered 2,148 people applying the sun protection lotion, thereby beating the current record of Ann’s Hope Foundation of 1,822 people who did the same thing on May 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Panama Jack provided the sunscreen to park participants.
Research said the park also collaborated with player Todd Frazier of Cincinnati Reds to make the event possible.
“Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with melanoma the most dangerous form of skin cancer," Kings Island public relations manager Don Helbig said.
He added that through Saturday’s event, their company was able to create awareness among participants as well as teach their guests the need for sun protection to fight against the chance of developing skin cancer.
He also said that they were able to gather more than $70,000 for the opening of their campaign, which debuted on July 25.
Over a week ago, said amusement park also conducted the mass head-shaving event, still in line with the said campaign against cancer, based on research.
The campaign, a month-long effort of Kings Island, runs through Aug. 24. Visitors to the park can contribute to the initiative by purchasing a soccer ball worth $5 for one piece and $20 for five pieces, and then kick it into the park’s fountain in International Street to get a chance to win the 2015 Honda Fit car, which is courtesy of the Performance Kings Honda.
“Our Kings Island Kicks Cancer team will kick your ball into the fountain for you for a chance to win the car!” stated in the park’s issued statement.
Soccer ball sales’ net proceeds will be donated to the Melanoma Know More, Pink Ribbon Girls and The Dragonfly Foundation.
Other park guests who would like to join the said campaign can do so by buying single-day admission tickets for $33.96 via www.visitkingsisland.com. The campaign’s selling price now is said to be $26 off the park’s front gate rate. A dollar from each sold ticket will be donated to the Kicks Cancer campaign.
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company owns and operates Kings Island, 10 more amusement parks, five hotels, three outdoor water parks and one indoor water park.
