For Immediate Release

Contact: Elizabeth Lord,
Marketing, The Wharf
(251) 974-8604

Over $50,000 Raised for Education

First Event at The Wharf
Raises Funds for Area Non-profit

 

June 5, 2006 - Orange Beach, Alabama    Developer AIG Baker used its first big event at The Wharf as a fundraiser for the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Educational Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to the support of education on the island. Raising over $50,000 in donations – The Wharf’s first event was a huge success.

Using the new 112’ Ferris Wheel as a focal point, The Wharf allowed the organization to solicit donations from sponsors who were given the right to have the first official ride on the new attraction. The First Ride event – which is also the first event to be held in the new 220-acre destination resort and attraction – generated $52,500 in funds which will be used by the non-profit to help teachers and children with the resources and educational support they need to be better equipped in the classroom.

The Ferris Wheel
The twenty-four gondolas were designated to local individuals and businesses making a $2,500 donation to Alabama Gulf Coast Educational Foundation. Each sponsor was allowed to choose one adult and five deserving children to take the First Ride on the Ferris Wheel. The evening acknowledged those that support the foundation while also telling the stories of the children and why they were chosen for this commemorative ride.

Everyone was raised to new heights!
“This was a winning event for everyone involved,” says Beason Wilkes, Director of Development for AIG Baker “we raised money that will help secure the future for many of our children on this island, we launched what should become one of our most popular attractions while introducing our local residents to a project that many have watched being built over the past 24 months.”

Wilkes goes on to say “But, the best part had to be watching the faces of the children that were chosen to take that first ride – and hearing their comments when they got off; such as “it was so high” “I was kind of scared but it was fun!” “I could see forever” and best of all – “I’m going again!” Wilkes has overseen the project since its inception in 2004 and was part of the development team that helped plan for the Italian-made Ferris Wheel.

The Southeast’s largest Ferris Wheel began operation to the public on Friday, May 26, 2006. With 24 gondolas designed to accommodate 4-6 riders, the Ferris Wheel has proven to be a thrilling attraction for those visiting The Wharf. Tickets are available on site for $3.50 each.

The Wharf’s Ferris Wheel was designed and built by Technical Park, a famed amusement ride manufacturer in Melara, Italy. The wheel’s design, inspired by The Wharf and the surrounding waterways, integrates a wood-grained, nautical steering wheel (or ship’s helm) and is bordered by thousands of clear lights.

A documentary of the Wheel’s arrival in the United States and its erection at The Wharf has been created and was shown at the opening of the first event in The Amphitheater at The Wharf.

The Ferris Wheel is located in the entertainment plaza next to RAVE’s Wharf 15-screen theater. Soaring high above the 220-acre resort, the views during the day and especially at night make this a ride that many will take over and over again. The Ferris Wheel will operate daily throughout the year with extended hours during the season.

The original Ferris Wheel was invented for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago by George Ferris. Enthusiasts of all ages have come to love the freedom of gliding silently through the air as the earth slowly melts away – it’s an experience few forget as children and many seek to recapture as adults.

For more information, contact marketing at The Wharf 1.877.942.7325 or visit us online at www.thewharfal.com.

About The Wharf

The Wharf, located in Orange Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a 220-acre mixed-use project operating year-round to serve residents and visitors with world-class retail, residential, entertainment and marina facilities.

Destined to be Alabama’s premiere destination resort and attraction, The Wharf features a 112’ Ferris Wheel, Mainstreet shopping and dining, 208 boat slips in a public/private marina, a boardwalk with open-air cafés and restaurants and an Aveda Resort Spa. At full build-out, it is anticipated that The Wharf will feature one million square feet of retail, office and restaurants and over 740 condominium homes complete with private clubhouse, resort pools, nature trails and natural areas.

The Amphitheater at The Wharf, an open-air 10,000-seat venue for national acts and local performances, will host special events and concerts throughout the season as well as during the holidays. The 100’ wide covered stage, box seats and food and beverage facilities provide the perfect setting for the annual entertainment series but is also adaptable for large groups and shows throughout the year.

Phase I of The Wharf opens Memorial Day weekend and includes The Ferris Wheel, RAVE Motion Pictures’ Wharf 15 (a 15-screen state-of-the-art cinema), The Wharf Store and The Amphitheater at The Wharf.

Mainstreet retail and restaurants are scheduled to open Fourth of July Weekend. Residents are anticipated to be on property at the end of fourth quarter 2006.

For more information, contact marketing at The Wharf 1.877.942.7325 or visit us online at www.thewharfal.com.

AIG Baker Shopping Center Properties, LLC is a privately held entrepreneurial-driven company, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that specializes in ground-up development, acquisition, leasing and management of retail centers nationwide.

Backed by American International Group (AIG), one of the world’s largest insurance companies, AIG Baker has developed more than 20 million square feet in 17 states since 1993. Subsidiaries of AIG Baker include AIG Baker Real Estate, L.L.C., AIG Baker Management, L.L.C., AIG Baker Development, L.L.C., and Pinnacle Communities L.L.C.

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