Cedar Point donates some winter warmth

[Reclaimer]

Cedar Point donated more than 100 never-worn winter coats to Victory Temple Soup Kitchen on Thursday afternoon. The coats were bought for WinterFest, an event at Kings Island, which was not hosted this year.

Source: http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2...ront/156546.txt

[tycoonrebel7188]

How is it that those are KI winterfest jackets, but Cedar Point is the park thats giving them away? Don't get me wrong I am all for helping those in need, but shouldn't Kings Island have been the one giving those jackets to the needy?

[Avatar]

That would have been nice if the local Cincinnati community reaped some of Kinks Islands donated coats.

[Reclaimer]

Avatar, do you know of another park that you're not telling anyone??

In all seriousness, I totally agree. While I'm thrilled the coats are going to a great cause, I kind of think it's a bit wrong of CF to ship those jackets to Sandusky to unload all of them up there. Yes, CP has a good history with that Victory Temple (they donate their loose change fund every year to the kitchen) but CF should have at least left some of them to KI to donate to the Cincinnati area as well.

[RailRider]

This story doesn't make a whole lot of sense for CP to be donating KI coats? There is either more to this story or these coats had been shipped up north for some odd reasson. Maybe the needy up North are more important than the ones down south.

Warning!!! Horrible Politicaly Incorrect Joke Ahead, Maybe the reasson Cedar Point gave the coats out to the needy up North is because they are not bullet proof which would make the coats useless in Cincinnati...

[Avatar]

Cedar Point community may have been following the gun control policy that the Cincinnati has just now adopted. Having the community leaders ask their local citizens to please do not shot each other.

[flightoffear1996]

That was pretty nice of them to give those people winter coats. No matter were they came from they got to the people that needed them the most.

[tycoonrebel7188]

^^ I can't quote exactly when, but I'm sure every Cincy mayor has asked the people of cincy not to shoot each other.

[jzarley]

I had the same reaction when I first read this story... If you're going to compare cities with homeless populations, I have to think the problem is considerably worse in Cincinnati than it is in Sandusky. Considering that KI's long time competitor (CP/CF) has bought the home town park, I'd think CF would be doing what it could to foster positive PR with the local community of which they're now a member. What better way to do that then help the poorest members of that community? By shipping the KI coats from Cincy to Sandusky to give away at "home", only reinforces a concern that many already have--Cedar Fair is Cedar Point, and the other parks (and their communities) will always be treated as such. If coats had been purchased for Carowind's Winterfest where would they be donated? Charlotte or Sandusky?

Of course, this is also the company that tried to revoke Six Flags elementary school free admission reading program at GL until they were raked over the coals by the media, then put out a big press release making themselves sound like they invented the idea to begin with. So, ingratiating themselves into their new communities doesn't seem to be a strong suit.

The whole press release feels to me like an opportunistic way for CF to pat themselves on the back...especially considering that I'm sure it was Paramount Parks/CBS that paid for those coats to begin with. Nothing like tooting your own horn for giving away something that didn't cost your company anything. (I mean, come on...it's not like the acquisition cost would have been less than $1.24B if it wasn't for those coats...)

Sorry for the rant, but this press release really ticked me off for some reason...

[familyman]

At least they went to a good cause. And they kept them in Ohio. It’s good to see business like this helping out in the community.

[jzarley]

At least they went to a good cause. And they kept them in Ohio. It’s good to see business like this helping out in the community.

And you're right...obviously the most important thing is that the coats went to people who actually needed them. Regardless of the PR statement, that's always preferable to them sitting in a box in storage somewhere.

[PKIVortex]

Shouldn't it said Cedar Fair donated them on behalf of Kings Island? Why did Cedar Point get the credit, they weren't there jackets.

[Cory Butcher]

I am very happy that those coats went to needy people of the community, but I have just one question, when do we as a nation stop giving "handouts" and start giving "hands up"? Everything circulates around donations and charity, but the point that big companies like Cedar Fair, and some of my more liberal brethren miss is that some of these people could be put in some better position to not just have their donated coat, but to maybe buy food as well, and maybe in a few years have the cash to buy their own coats. I would just really like to see more considerate helping/giving and less public image giving. I am sure Cedar Fair meant good, and everysingle one of us would have done that, I am not taking that for granted..Kudos to Cedar Fair..I just would like to see more community involvement from some of these corps and other people in society. This certainly does seem to be one area in which Cedar Fair is superior to other chains and even other companies insofar that they do try to give back to the community.

Great job Cedar Fair, now please do the same great job on KI and we will all worship you!

[Avatar]

I think it is great that the unused coats were given to those who need them the most. I think that Cedar Fair did a great thing for those folks. But I think it is SQUARE to take all the credit for themselves and not let the local parks, which was the original destination for those coats do something for their local community.

Cory Butcher; I expressing this as easy as I can so that you don’t take it the wrong way.

United States Corporate Charity giving is bigger than anywhere else in the world by huge margins. In fact the Citizens of the United States give more charity money than most other countries combined not counting what their tax dollars fund here and abroad. I think that maybe you have not taken the time to see how much corporations have given and is why maybe you didn’t realize how compassionate corporate America is. I am in no way saying that corporate America is perfect and that maybe they can do more, but I just don’t want us folks to seem ungrateful for their huge charitable contributions.

It would be like giving a homeless person on the street $10.00, and as you walk away feeling great you hear the homeless person saying “Thanks you cheap Bast**dâ€Â.

[jzarley]

I think it is great that the unused coats were given to those who need them the most. I think that Cedar Fair did a great thing for those folks. BUT I think it is square to take all the credit for themselves and not let the local parks do something for their community.

Exactly...it's a great thing that CF donated the coats to people who really needed them. I think we all agree 100% on that. But, why not let KI dontate the KI coats to the local KI community? It was a great PR opportunity for Cedar Fair to say to the Cincinnati metro area that "we're part of your community now." Now, if those would have been coats bought for Cedar Point, donating them to the needy in Sandusky it would be a completely different story...

Most successful national companies make an effort to become part of and support the local communities in which they do business. The Kroger company is an excellent example of this. And, when I was in the hotel business we'd frequently have properties that would donate blankets, furniture, etc. to charitable organizations in their area. But, if a hotel in Greenville, SC made these donations it was to the Greenville community...we didn't have them ship everything to HQ than hand them out as a gift from one of the other brands.

I guess the shareholder in me is just thinking about how this PR opportunity (and, that's exactly how they used it) could have been much better suited to aiding the overall acquisition...

[raptor]

I don't blame Cedar Fair at all, i'd do the same thing. They own the coats why wouldn't they want to put their flagship parks name on it. Cedar Point will always be number one to Cedar Fair, why wouldn't be, it's the reason they exist. That doesn't mean the other parks won't benefit from their ownership. If I owned a business, and due to the success of that business, I was able to by another, I'd always want to promote the business that got me where I am over the others, it's only natural. It's no secret that the residents of Sandusky kept Cedar Point in business, when it was close to folding in the 50's with most of the other older amusement parks, that being the case I'd want to donate to them above the rest, without them Cedar Point wouldn't exist today.

[jzarley]

...but, unfortunately the 28K+ residents of Sandusky, OH aren't the ones providing all 14 million visits to Cedar Fair parks last year.

It's perfectly fine to think and act like a hometown local company when that's what you are. When you're a large, international corporation it's necessary to adjust your world view somewhat.

[Cory Butcher]

I think it is great that the unused coats were given to those who need them the most. I think that Cedar Fair did a great thing for those folks. But I think it is SQUARE to take all the credit for themselves and not let the local parks, which was the original destination for those coats do something for their local community.

Cory Butcher; I expressing this as easy as I can so that you don’t take it the wrong way.

United States Corporate Charity giving is bigger than anywhere else in the world by huge margins. In fact the Citizens of the United States give more charity money than most other countries combined not counting what their tax dollars fund here and abroad. I think that maybe you have not taken the time to see how much corporations have given and is why maybe you didn’t realize how compassionate corporate America is. I am in no way saying that corporate America is perfect and that maybe they can do more, but I just don’t want us folks to seem ungrateful for their huge charitable contributions.

It would be like giving a homeless person on the street $10.00, and as you walk away feeling great you hear the homeless person saying “Thanks you cheap Bast**dâ€Â.

i think I may have not been clear enough! I understand that Corporate America charity is bigger than anywhere else in the world...I dont have a problem with Corporate America. My problem is that too many people are willing just to give a buck rather than help people earn it! I believe that instead of just donating, people should also be given opportunities to succeed (you know...public works programs). I was making a distinction between Cedar Fair donating those coats for a worthy cause and bringing back that free for school groups just to appease the Public. There is a difference between mass charity (handouts) and work programs (hands up). I am completely satisified with the amount of charity given, Corporate America deffinately gives more than their fair share! I just wish some of it was gone about a little bit differently so that people can be held accountable (where deserved) like the rest of us. I was giving another idea of a way that companies or people could help out! I did not mean to trash corporations charitable contributions, I just wanted to get into some more ways that needy people could be helped. Does that help straighten my post out a little?

I in no way meant to come off as ignorant to Corporate charity, but to simply inject another...perhaps better way of helping others!

[Avatar]

Most large corporations require that their management give X amount of hours for hands on volunteer work.

I think this this whole country would be better off if we gave our time or followed Robert L Woodson Sr. style of volunteerism.

When I do volunteer work I always enjoyed it and take pride in myself too.

Cory Butcher; I did get your PM thanks.

[Cory Butcher]

yah, but thank you for reading it!

And your post is exactly what I was aiming for, Volunteering is a great way to help get things off the ground! I volunteered a few years back to plant trees along the Great Miami River..the trees not only help hold soil in place, they prevent flooding by being somewhat of a blockade. Also this method is much cheeper than engineering more dykes (sp?) and controlled banks.

When all was said and done, I had a great respect for the Miami Conservency and all the work that they do, as I worked right along side some of their best and some homeless people given a chance to succeed on their own! It was a great experience, yes the flies were biting like crazy on the hot and Humid April day...in the morning at least And afterwards I too felt great about myself and great that the community was helped by my efforts!

[A_Titanic_Mess]

Shouldn't it said Cedar Fair donated them on behalf of Kings Island? Why did Cedar Point get the credit, they weren't there jackets.

Not trying to be rude, but perhaps you missed the news, Cedar Fair bought Paramount Parks, so they indeed own the jackets. Why they decided to ditribute them from Cedar Point to the city of Sandusky, I do not know.

[Outdoor Man]

well... on a completely selfish note.... this doesn't bode well for the prospects of a future WinterFest- if they are emptying the shelves, so-to-speak.

[The Interpreter]

Not necessarily...something tells me those coats were festooned with Paramount and mountains....also, has anyone considered that perhaps Cedar Fair didn't want homeless people wandering near Mason, Ohio wearing PKI apparel, but was less concerned with that in far away Sandusky?

[WooferBearATL]

Not necessarily...something tells me those coats were festooned with Paramount and mountains....also, has anyone considered that perhaps Cedar Fair didn't want homeless people wandering near Mason, Ohio wearing PKI apparel, but was less concerned with that in far away Sandusky?

Very good point there.

I actually had not thought of that. It's not like CF is going to want people to connect Paramount with Kings Island. LOL, and actually, what better way to get a dig at Paramount by giving the clothes to homeless folk.

[TOPGUN1993]

The WF logo says....

WinterFest

Paramount Parks

[A_Titanic_Mess]

well... on a completely selfish note.... this doesn't bode well for the prospects of a future WinterFest- if they are emptying the shelves, so-to-speak.

Not trying to be a party-pooper, but WinterFest is not coming back. The last attempt at WinterFest was a huge failure. We could debate the reasons why probably for weeks, but bottom line was it didn't work. No guests equals no revenue. The original WinterFest ended mainly due to lack of crowds as each year it was held, the attendance dropped. There were also staffing and weather issue to deal with. PKI studied the new WinterFest for several years before brining it back. The numbers never worked on paper, but it was pushed through in an effort to increase attendance for the year. It was ill-conceived, and the results were not good. RIP WinterFest!

[Quickwind]

That's cool that you planted trees on the river cory, considering dykes and what not are bad for pretty much everything. They cause horrible soil erosion and in the long run cause more problems than they help

[raptor]

...but, unfortunately the 28K+ residents of Sandusky, OH aren't the ones providing all 14 million visits to Cedar Fair parks last year.

It's perfectly fine to think and act like a hometown local company when that's what you are. When you're a large, international corporation it's necessary to adjust your world view somewhat.

Not really, I think this will have little bearing on how many people visit all their parks. Their investment in the parks is the only thing that can effect the 14 million visitors. I really don't think too many people will not attend Kings Island next year because the coats went to sandusky

[WooferBearATL]

...but, unfortunately the 28K+ residents of Sandusky, OH aren't the ones providing all 14 million visits to Cedar Fair parks last year.

It's perfectly fine to think and act like a hometown local company when that's what you are. When you're a large, international corporation it's necessary to adjust your world view somewhat.

Not really, I think this will have little bearing on how many people visit all their parks. Their investment in the parks is the only thing that can effect the 14 million visitors. I really don't think too many people will not attend Kings Island next year because the coats went to sandusky

Ahhh, you are so wrong there.

A story like that gets picked up and passed on. Corporate good will is fantastic advertising. (And, it's just right.)

[jzarley]

...but, unfortunately the 28K+ residents of Sandusky, OH aren't the ones providing all 14 million visits to Cedar Fair parks last year.

It's perfectly fine to think and act like a hometown local company when that's what you are. When you're a large, international corporation it's necessary to adjust your world view somewhat.

Not really, I think this will have little bearing on how many people visit all their parks. Their investment in the parks is the only thing that can effect the 14 million visitors. I really don't think too many people will not attend Kings Island next year because the coats went to sandusky

I don't think this one event would have too much of an effect either. I was more referring to your business advice of "promoting one business over another" in your post about what you'd do as a business owner... I was pointing out that isn't a course of action a large international company would want to follow. Especially when no single park in your chain is responsible for more than 20% of your overall revenue...

But, Woofer is right--corporate good (or bad) will is a very powerful force. GL is still suffering the consequences of some PR missteps in the early days of CF's ownership. They had a great opportunity to make some good press with the 1.8M residents of the Cincy MSA...but, oh well--they got some great press with the 28,000 residents of Sandusky instead (who already loved Cedar Fair anyway).