United Airlines and Starlight Foundation take children to North Pole on Great Escape

Dec. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- On Sat., Dec. 11, 2010, approximately 60 seriously ill children and their siblings will take a flight from DIA to the North Pole on Santa’s Fantasy Sleigh Ride. United Airlines’ employees, who have been raising funds for this event all year, will take the children on a 30-minute flight around Denver and land at a United Airlines hanger decorated like the North Pole where they will visit with Santa and receive gifts. This event is part of Starlight Foundation’s Great Escapes program, which grants seriously ill children and their families the opportunity to create memorable experiences outside of the hospital to take their minds off their illnesses.

Some of the children are fighting cancer; others are waiting for organ transplants. “Our Santa’s Fantasy Sleigh Ride delivers a playful, fun experience for children, which is in line with our mission to provide positive experiences for seriously ill children,” said Becky Gutrich, chairman of the board for Starlight.  “This event is made possible through the generous employees at United Airlines and creates a one-of-a-kind experience for our kids and their families.”

WHEN:    Sat., Dec. 11, 2010 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
2:45 p.m. – Children Arrive at DIA for their trip to the North Pole.
3:30 p.m. – Children will board the plane to the North Pole from Terminal B.
4 p.m. – Flight Takes Off
5 p.m. – Children Arrive at the “North Pole” in United Hangar to visit with Santa.

WHERE:   Denver International Airport

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About Great Escapes
Starlight created the Great Escapes family activities program to provide families with the chance to spend quality time together — away from the hospital — so that they can relax and regroup, and return home with a new-found sense of strength and hope. In addition, everyone in the family is able to meet others who are facing similar challenges, reducing their feelings of isolation. This community-building bolsters spirits, provides outlets for buried emotions, and provides a vital support system during the most difficult times in a family's life. Outings include ball games, picnics, cruises, spa days and movie premiers. Starlight, corporate sponsors and individual donors underwrite all costs. For more information, visit www.starlight.org/greatescapes.