Paying it Forward Pays Off for Guests of LanierWorld at Georgia's Lanier Islands

BUFORD, Ga. - June 14, 2016 - PRLog -- Community-minded Lanier Islands announces the return of its Giveback Thursdays at the lakeside resort's beach, boardwalk and waterpark entertainment district called LanierWorld. For the 2016 season, the Islands has partnered with two local charities to which LanierWorld guests can pay it forward, while receiving a little special something in return. Each Thursday, the resort has stations set up for the collection of non-perishable canned goods to benefit both the Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Action Ministries. In return for the donation of FIVE canned goods - or other specially designated program items, the donor will receive HALF OFF one daily admission ticket to LanierWorld.

"We are pleased to partner with two local charities that are dedicated to helping those in need," explained Cindy Wahl, Lanier Islands Director of Marketing. "Our Giveback Thursdays offer an excellent way for our guests to pay it forward to families who may be struggling to make ends meet right here in the North Georgia community. As thanks for their generosity, the Islands is more than happy to give these generous donors a discount off their admission to LanierWorld that day. We are hoping the word will spread and that Thursdays will become one of our busiest days so we can fill the shelves at both Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Action Ministries in nearby Gainesville. It's the best way we can think of to demonstrate that it really IS rewarding to pay it forward - in more ways than one."

Dedicated to "leading people out of poverty," Action Ministries offers help and hope to Hall County families facing eviction or utility disconnection through individualized case management, financial assistance and in-kind relief - empowering its clients to become self-sufficient. Lanier Islands is pleased to partner with the ministry on its Smart Lunch, Smart Kid Summer Feeding and Super Pack Back Pack Programs. Georgia Mountain Food Bank is dedicated to addressing hunger, health and quality of life by serving those in need in five counties throughout North Georgia. To learn more about each of these vital non-profit organizations and other ways to help, interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.actionministries.net and http://www.gamountainfoodbank.org.

In addition to Giveback Thursdays, Lanier Islands also demonstrates its commitment to the surrounding communities by extending half off LanierWorld admission for teachers and up to three of their guests on Educator Tuesdays* and FREE admission to LanierWorld for grandparents on Grandparent Wednesdays**, as well as FREE admission to LanierWorld all season long, every day of the week for active U.S. Military personnel, police officers and firefighters***. For guests who don't fall into any of those categories, the Islands offers a number of different ways for them to save:

·         $5 off discount coupons are available at participating partner locations including Dunkin' Donuts, Waffle House,  Publix, Chick-fil-A, QuikTrip and Medieval Times

·         Double Coupon Mondays offer double the amount of the face value of all sponsor coupons every Monday (does not include July 4^th)

·         Lazy Day Admission - offering access to all of the rides and slides at LanierWorld from 4 p.m. to close - is $30.99 per Adult / Child over 42" tall and $21.99 per Child Under 42"/Seniors 55+

To learn more about LanierWorld, purchase tickets and/or book reservations at Lanier Islands, future guests of the resort are invited to visit www.lanierislands.com.

About Lanier Islands: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lanier Islands. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast's leading lakeside retreats. As the resort's crown jewel, Lake Lanier is one of the United States' most popular man-made lakes, encompassing 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline in Northeast Georgia. Legacy Lodge, Villas and LakeHouses enhance the park's broad assortment of accommodation choices and meeting sites - making it the ideal choice for corporate meetings and company retreats. Popular excursions include fun in the sun at the boardwalk-themed LanierWorld, zip lining through the trees with Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, horseback riding on a lakeside trail from the Equestrian Center, and renting a boat and ski equipment from Harbor Landing. Tranquility - the Spa and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play, and with more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides- and grooms-to-be as a highly sought-after Destination Wedding site.

Lanier Islands is steadily securing a solid standing for its signature brand of Southern Hospitality. In 2014, the Resort became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. The Islands has also been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for two consecutive years and was named "Best Place for Family Fun" by Best Self Atlanta Magazine in 2015.

* Teachers/educators receive HALF OFF admission to LanierWorld on Tuesdays for up to 4 people. Must show ID or other credentials and corresponding photo ID.

** Grandparents receive free admission on Wednesdays when accompanied by a paying guest (regular price admission and adventure pass holders only; free/complimentary tickets excluded).

*** Free admission is for the individual Active Duty U.S. Military, Police Officer or Firefighter only, with valid photo ID

NOTE: Admission prices do not include $15 resort gate admission for passenger cars or dock fees for boaters.