Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, in association with aloft Philadelphia Airport hotel, will host a fundraising event on October 17 to raise money and bring awareness to the Salvation Army's Ray & Joan Kroc Center Aquatic Program. 

The fundraising event will emphasize the need for diversity in the sport of swimming by supporting the Ray & Joan Kroc Center, which is scheduled to be completed in 2010. 

The Kroc Center will be a two-story, 105,000-square-foot facility on 12.4 acres and will feature an aquatic center with an indoor water park, lap pool and therapy pool. Renowned swim coach Jim Ellis will run an aquatic program at the Center. Ellis, who was the recent subject matter of the motion picture Pride, believes the sport of swimming provides youth with the opportunity to pursue a healthy activity off the streets.

"With a state-of the art aquatics facility at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, a new generation of kids at risk will have a place to go to be part of a team, to earn perseverance and leadership, and maybe even to achieve Olympic gold,” Ellis said.  

Jones, who is committed to increasing diversity in swimming and raising awareness of Learn-To-Swim programs in the African American Community, agrees.

"I want everyone to know how to swim, at least enough to be safe around water," Cullen said. "And I want everyone to know how it feels to achieve their dreams." 

For additional Information on the Friday, October 17th, 2008 charitable event hosted by aloft Philadelphia Airport & Olympian Cullen Jones, please contact Terressa Thompson at 267-307-1821 or terressa@experiencemm.com.