Paintball Artistry To "Take Aim at Breast Cancer" at
Fantasy of Flight Pinktober Fundraiser
Novel Charity Event Inspired by International PSP World Cup of Paintball, Returning for Second Year at Fantasy of Flight
For more information, contact:
Mary Deatrick, DPR
(407) 332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com
For photography, click here
POLK CITY, Fla. (August 26, 2010) – In a spectacular weekend that combines fierce competition and generous contributions, Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction and home to the World's Greatest Aircraft Collection™ featuring rare and vintage aircraft, will once again host thousands of competitors and spectators from around the world at the 2010 PSP (Paintball Sports Promotion) World Cup. The internationally renowned paintball competition will take place Thurs., Oct. 21 through Sun., Oct. 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free to most World Cup fields, with a $10 fee for admission to the pro field.
Inspired by the focus and competitive spirit of last year's event, Fantasy of Flight has created a new "event within an event" hoping to apply the same determination and focus to benefit a nationally-recognized cause. "Take Aim at Breast Cancer" was created to honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pinktober) in October and will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. two of the four days of the World Cup competition, Sat., Oct. 23 and Sun., Oct. 24.
As the professional paintball battles ensue on Fantasy of Flight's expansive 250 acres, World Cup fans will be able to reveal both their generosity and artistry through this novel approach to fundraising and have a chance to fight the battle against breast cancer by creating one-of-a-kind “paintball art.” Guests can donate $10 each for a preloaded round of pink and yellow paintballs. With Off the Wall Adventures supplying the paintball guns, staff and instructions, at the command of "Ready… aim…. ART!" fans will trigger a splattering of pink paint across the canvas that will become works of art.
The unique works of art will ultimately benefit two organizations. Donations collected on-site at the event will benefit area chapters of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Following the World Cup event, the completed works of paintball art will be donated to the Cassidy Cancer Center at Winter Haven Hospital in time to be auctioned at the hospital’s annual fundraising gala on Nov. 4.
The random patterns created by the amateur artists can never be duplicated, but they will be greatly enhanced when Winter Haven "speed artist" Tony Trotti adds his unique vision. With an artist’s eye, Trotti, who will donate his time for the project, will be at the event to apply his talent by adding lines and shapes and recognizable images, transforming the folk art into fine art and preparing each piece for a vitally important second level of charitable fundraising when it is auctioned off.
In addition to Trotti and Lakeland's Off the Wall Adventures, Inc., Fantasy of Flight has joined forces with paintball service provider Procaps Direct to stage the high-velocity outdoor art studio where the weekend's skilled shooters and interested spectators can take part in creating abstract "paintball art." The special pairing of charity and creativity is certain to add a splash of vivid color and heart to what’s widely recognized as the "crown jewel" of paintball competitions.
"We're honored and excited to be hosting again the PSP World Cup," said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. "And we're just as thrilled to add this new event with the support of our local partners to benefit breast cancer research and programs. In a way, this initiative mirrors the battle against breast cancer. It’s an effort that brings out the best in people who are aiming for a happy ending."
This light-hearted fundraiser belies the serious nature of the disease that, according to the National Cancer Institute, has already been diagnosed in more than 200,000 women this year alone. Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised more than $1.5 billion for research, education and health services to combat the disease. And with Fantasy of Flight providing the venue and PSP Events adding its reputation within the paintball subculture, there will be even more opportunities to raise funds to eradicate the disease when participants and fans arrive for the largest and most prestigious paintball event of the season.
The 2010 PSP World Cup will bring an estimated 5,000 competitors and an additional 5,000 spectators and generate a projected economic impact of more than $6 million and the sale of more than 10,000 room nights. Easily the largest event of its kind in the world, the competition attracts participants from as far away as Russia, the Ukraine, and Ecuador who, during the four-day event, will engage in fierce competitions on fields spread across the attraction’s 250 acres of scenic grounds.
"There will be more players, more spectators, more vendors, more buzz, more significance than any other event in the industry," said Lane Wright, Chief Operating Officer of PSP Events. "In addition to the competition, Fantasy of Flight is where we'll also host the world's largest paintball tradeshow where vendors debut their latest and greatest gear for the upcoming season. This is the must-attend event of the year for teams and paintball enthusiasts around the world."
Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase.
For more information on the PSP Paintball 2010 World Cup, Fantasy of Flight or "Take Aim at Breast Cancer" charity event, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.