Twenty-eight "superheroes" will soon take off, capes tied around their necks, and hands and feet secured in the cabin of the Mind Bender at Six Flags over Georgia.
These superheroes may not actually fly, but they will perform a superhuman feat — riding this looping coaster for six hours straight, using their skills and strength for good. Each of them has raised money as part of Six Flags' 6th annual CoasterTHON benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
The event was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed due to rain. The fundraiser is now set for 9 a.m. on Aug. 4.
Credit: Nelson Hicks
Credit: Nelson Hicks
The 28 participants registered online, began raising money and earned their seats on the coaster by being the top fundraisers.
Stephen Peeples, a two-year rider and lifetime coaster enthusiast, has participated in many a coaster fundraising challenge and said he is “pretty sure” he can handle the Mind Bender for six hours.
Peeples is also no stranger to the services Children’s Healthcare provides. He has watched both a cousin and a nephew go through long-term treatment at a Children’s Healthcare facility in Alabama.
“I know well how hard it can be for a child to be sick and how important it is to have the doctors and the family services and everything else that children's hospitals provide,” he said.
Peeples has collected nearly $4,500 for the organization, the second-place fundraiser this year.
The 28 participants have raised a total of $14,000 for Children’s Healthcare this year and can continue fundraising through coaster competition day next month.
In its six-year history, CoasterTHON has donated more than $117,000 toward operational costs at the hospital, Six Flags spokesman Gene Petriello said.
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