Amelia Island, Florida

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (March 2, 2009) – For the fifth consecutive year, northeast Florida’s Amelia Island will host the Annual Katie Ride for Life, which raises awareness on the importance of organ donation.  Recently named among the Top 10 North American islands by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Amelia Island has 11 accommodators offering discounted room rates for anyone participating in the 2009 Katie Ride for Life.  Participants in the 2009 event can also take advantage of special offers from Kayak Amelia, Amelia Island River Cruises, and the Cumberland Sound Ferry Service. 

Participating hotels, resorts and inns are offering the following discounted rates:

Amelia Hotel at the Beach: $99/night including breakfast, (904) 206-5600
Amelia Island Plantation:  $139/night, (866) 460-3315 (promo code KATIE)
Amelia Island Williams House: 15 percent discount, (904) 277-2328
Amelia Oceanfront B&B: 15 percent discount, (904) 261-3300
Beachside Motel: $99 - $139/night, (904) 261-4263
Comfort Suites: $112/night, (904) 261-0193
Days Inn & Suites: $89.95/night, (904) 277-2300
Florida House Inn: 15 percent discount, (904) 261-3300
Hampton Inn: $99/night, (904) 321-1111
Hampton Inn & Suites: $109 - $119/night, (904) 557-2120
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: $199/night, (904) 277-1100
 

Amelia River Cruises and the Cumberland Sound Ferry Service are offering two tickets for the price of one (www.ameliarivercruises.com) and Kayak Amelia is offering a free kayak rental or trip to anyone who walked or cycled in the event (www.kayakamelia.com).  Proof of participation is required for all discounts. 

The 5th Annual Katie Ride for Life, sponsored by the transplant center at Mayo Clinic, will take place on April 18 at the Recreation Center at 2500 Atlantic Ave.  For the first time ever, the event is offering a 5k and 10k walk through gorgeous Fort Clinch State Park.  Open to all levels of riders and walkers, the Katie Ride events are dedicated to raising awareness of the need for all of us to make an organ donation commitment.  Riders and walkers also raise funds for a unique organ donor education program at the high school level.  For more information, starting times and to sign up, visit www.katierideforlife.org.

Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty.  Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure.  Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts.  The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries.  For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com. 

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MEDIA INFO:
Katharina Brierton Lane
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
(386) 677-7000
katharina@hayworthcreative.com