Raleigh, NC (PressExposure) April 14, 2010 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Brian Van Norman 919.232.5008 brian@articulon.com
Tenth Annual Fundraising Event is May 2
Wingate by Wyndham (www.wingatehotels.com) is serving as presenting sponsor of the 10th annual Second Empire 5K Classic (www.secondempireraceraleigh.com). The fundraising race will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010 in downtown Raleigh. Proceeds will benefit Hopeful Parents, a nonprofit organization that provides community support to adoptive and birth families.
"We are thrilled to support the 5K Classic and Hopeful Parents," says Brian Knopp, director of sales for Wingate by Wyndham in Lynchburg, Virginia. "Our partnership with Hopeful Parents is a natural extension of our passion surrounding the adoption process, and allows us to expand these efforts into North Carolina."
For the past decade, Wingate has worked closely with the Liberty Godparent Foundation, which operates a maternity home and infant adoption agency next to Wingate's Lynchburg, Virginia location. Through the support of a 5K race and Walk for Life, Wingate has helped raise funds for the foundation and awareness of the adoption process.
Wingate by Wyndham is part of the Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest lodging franchisor with more than 6,500 hotels on six continents, which includes four Wingate properties in the Raleigh/Durham area. The company encourages franchisees to support local community activities around the world.
"We are extremely thankful for the generosity of Wingate," says Kim Reynolds, founder of the Second Empire 5K Classic. "Their support plays an invaluable role in advancing the programs and services of Hopeful Parents."
The Second Empire 5K Classic includes a competitive and non-competitive 5K run/walk, a one-mile recreational run/walk and a kids' dash. The event will also include an adoption expo with professionals from North Carolina-based organizations on hand to speak with participants. Individuals can register for the race at http://tinyurl.com/5KClassic2010.
About Second Empire 5K Classic: In its 10th year, the Second Empire 5K Classic has a long-standing commitment to supporting community organizations. This year, the 5K Classic will benefit Hopeful Parents (www.nchopefulparents.org), a nonprofit organization that assists prospective adoptive parents in preparing to adopt and provides community support to adoptive and birth families. With more than 800 participants in 2008, the 5K Classic consists of a 5K race, a 1-mile fun run and a 100-yard run for kids 6 years old and younger. Held on one of the fastest 5K-certified courses in the Triangle area, the race is part of the Second Empire Grand-Prix. 2010 sponsors include: Wingate by Wyndham, A Child's Hope, WakeMed, Southern Community Bank and Trust, The Athlete's Foot, Articulon, IBD Benefit Services and Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. To learn more about the Second Empire 5K Classic, visit http://www.secondempireraceraleigh.com.
About Wingate by Wyndham Hotels: Wingate by Wyndham hotels feature an all-inclusive pricing policy, which includes free wired and wireless high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and public spaces, free faxes and photocopies, free deluxe continental breakfast, free local calls and long-distance access and free use of its 24-hour, self-service business centers. Hotel facilities include meeting rooms and a fitness room with whirlpool. Many hotels also offer swimming pools.
Wingate by Wyndham hotels offer a 100 percent guest satisfaction guarantee. Children 18 and under stay free when accompanied by an adult family member. Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 228-1000 or by visiting http://www.wingatehotels.com. All Wingate by Wyndham hotels are independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Wingate Inns International, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN).