Thursday, March 13, 2008

March 13, 2008

Cheeca Lodge & Spa in the Florida Keys gears up for 15th annual Earth Day event

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys – March 12, 2008 - “Living Green is the Key” is this year’s slogan for the annual Earth Day celebration to be held on the beachfront at Cheeca Lodge & Spa on April 19. The worldwide festivities honoring Mother Earth are marked by a very special line up of family-fun at Cheeca for visitors and local residents alike. Since 1994, guests at the hotel and residents of the Keys have met at the resort to enjoy a full day of beachfront activities, family barbecue, musical entertainment and environmental education.

Proceeds from this year’s event will again go to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, which provides emergency and recuperative care for injured birds and is evolving into a significant collection and distribution point for information about the environment. Last year’s event raised $4,000 for the bird center. For more information visit www.fkwbc.org or call 305.852.4486.

Earth Day revelers will begin gathering on the beach at 8 a.m. to create the unique Earth Day sand sculpture, spelling out “Living Green is the Key” in giant letters made out of colored sand across a wide stretch of the Cheeca beach. Teams of up to 10 people, sponsored by individuals, local businesses, social clubs or organizations, can purchase a letter for $300. Individuals can join a team for just $25. Teammates will each receive a custom-designed, limited edition Earth Day tee-shirt, as well as food coupons and a reusable water bottle.

The teams typically form very stylized creations for each letter and compete for the coveted “Most Creative” award. Upon completion of the “Living Green is the Key” slogan sharply at noon, a helicopter flyover has been scheduled to film and photograph the message, with the resulting images being released to local and national news stations across the country. In addition to the sand sculpture fundraiser, other fun-filled activities scheduled include:

KITEBOARDING DEMONSTRATION – A team from Seven Watersports will demonstrate this environmentally friendly activity that is as thrilling to watch as it is to participate.

KIDS' CATCH & RELEASE FISHING TOURNAMENT – Kids will gather at the Cheeca pier for some great competition to see who can catch and release the most -- and biggest -- fish! Drop line fishing "yo-yo's" will be used by all anglers. Bait will be provided courtesy of Cheeca Waterports and trophies will be awarded to the winners. Entry fee: $10 per angler.

MASSAGES ON THE BEACH – The professional spa technicians at Cheeca will offer relaxing massages - $1 per minute.

RAFFLE PRIZE DRAWING – Enter to win a fabulous prize from Depaula jewelers.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION BOOTHS – Environmental organizations including The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, among others, will be at Cheeca with displays and activities to educate adults and children about “thinking green.” (9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

OTHER ACTIVITIES: Kids’ sandcastle building on the beach, coconut painting, arts and crafts.

FAMILY-PRICED BARBECUE AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy delightful musical entertainment and a delicious beachside barbecue throughout the day. (11 am – 2 pm)

For more information about Earth Day or to sponsor a letter, please contact Clinton Winn at (305) 517-4423 or Michelle Rifice at (305) 517-4522.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is situated on 27 beautifully landscaped acres with more than 1200 feet of palm-fringed beach and crystal-clear water. It features 199 luxurious guest rooms and suites, three restaurants, a nine-hole pitch & putt golf course, a complete tennis program with six courts, two swimming pools and a whirlpool spa. For more information about Cheeca Lodge, visit www.cheeca.com. For reservations, call 800-327-2888.

Media Contact
Margie Benziger / Sasha Hlozek
Cheryl Andrews Marketing
P: 305-444-4033 / F: 305-447-0415
margie@cam-pr.com / sasha@cam-pr.com