SANDUSKY, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2000 – How much would you bid for an exclusive ride session on Cedar Point’s astounding new Millennium Force roller coaster? How about a piece of decorative plaster from one of the park’s historic carousels or lunch with Cedar Point’s vice president of maintenance and construction? Try $2,301, $200 and $1,001 respectively.

These top bids, along with 47 others, recently raised $10,000 in an online auction conducted by Cedar Point amusement park/resort on its No. 1-rated Web site, www.cedarpoint.com, with all proceeds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. A special section on the park’s Web site was launched this season to celebrate the “International Year of the Carousel” and featured an online auction of rare park memorabilia and items.

The top two bidders offered $2,301 and $2,250 for exclusive ride sessions on Millennium Force, Cedar Point’s incredible new 310-foot-tall, 93-mph “giga-coaster” that has taken the amusement world by storm this season. Two park enthusiasts dueled it out online for a special ride session for 36 people on Millennium Force. The bidding war came down to the wire – the last 15 seconds – when one bidder outdid the other by $51.

Fifty items, including ornate detailing from authentic carousels; behind-the-scenes park tours; Cedar Point signs, flags and banners; a private party with Snoopy; nostalgic park buttons; and lunch with park executives were up for bid with each item having a starting price tag. Each item was awarded to the highest bidder.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® is the largest wish-granting organization in the world. Through its 81 chapters in the United States and 20 affiliates around the globe, the Foundation grants wishes to children under the age of 18 who have life-threatening illnesses.