The minor league baseball team of the Quad Cities wants to keep local children healthy--one Ferris wheel ride at a time. Today, the River Bandits announced they will donate at least $50,000 from amusement park sales to Genesis Health Services Foundation.
For each ride at Modern Woodmen Park, 50 cents will go to three initiatives: a flu shot campaign for kids, a week-long camp for children who have relatives with cancer, and neonatal care to help newborns.
Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, remembers being worried when his children had complications at birth.
"We were just so blessed that we had the resources to be able to give them that care that they needed, and we want to be able to make sure that families here in the Quad Cities who are put in a similar circumstance have the money available for them to get the care they need when they need it."
He says attendance is the highest it's been this season. And he wants to support the community that supports the River Bandits.
Ken Croken, spokesman for Genesis Health Services Foundation, says the pledge comes at a time when the need for healthcare is high. And support from local businesses is more critical than ever.
"People from throughout the Quad Cities and from a much larger region who come to the Quad Cities to be at the world's most beautiful ball park will now have an opportunity to help support children's health programs by having fun. It's truly a win win win for everybody involved."
Since the Ferris wheel at Modern Woodmen Park opened in May, nearly 30,000 people have taken rides.
Proceeds from the zip line, Space Camp, and a "drop 'n' twist" ride will also benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation.
(Photo: Dave Heller, owner of the Quad Cities River Bandits.)