Glamorous "High-Heel Hike" and "Shop 'Til You Drop" Card Launch to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Children's Dream Fund is Saturday, September 25 in Tampa

Programs Benefit Two Charities for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses.

TAMPA, FL (PRWEB)SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 -- Celebrity pop artist Jules Burt is teaming up with Children's Dream Fund and The Pediatric Cancer Foundation to make high-heel history with the first-ever High-Heel Hike on September 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Old Hyde Park Village in Tampa, Florida. This unique event serves as a fundraising platform for the two charities that benefit the children of Tampa Bay.

The Hike will also serve to kick-off the "Shop 'Til You Drop" Shopping Card sale. For $50, savvy shoppers can purchase this card which entitles them to a generous 20% discount at many of their favorite retailers and restaurants for a nine-day period from October 29 - November 7, 2004. All proceeds from the sale of the Shopping Card go directly to support the two benefiting charities. The cards come with an easy-to-use directory listing participating stores, and may be purchased for the first time during the Hike from Shop 'Til You Drop volunteers as well as at key retail outlets. For more information about participating retailers, visit www.childrensdreamfund.org or www.pcfusa.org .

The high-fashion, ultra-glamorous, 1K High-Heel Hike starts at the Hike Headquarters at 1602 Snow Avenue in Old Hyde Park Village in Tampa (the former Sharper Image location). Hiking fashionistas are welcome to dress up in their most outrageous shoes and accessories as they strut around the Village circle. Glitter, sparkles, spangles, bright colors, boas, crowns, tiaras -- anything goes.

This Hike is not limited to persons of the female persuasion. In fact, Burt has thrown down the gauntlet for the ultimate battle of the sexes. "Men are invited to this hike, too -- if they are able," Burt said.

"Really, anyone and any kind of shoe will do," she said. "It's all for the cause."

At the conclusion of the hike, royal titles will be bestowed upon the adult, teen and child who raise the most money for the walk: "High-Heel Hike Queen," "High-Heel Hike Teen Queen" and "High-Heel Hike Princess."

And what if a man raises the most money for the walk? "Well, he's still going to be named the High-Heel Hike Queen!" Burt said.

The grand prize for these crowned members of royalty will be one of Burt's original artworks created in the image of the winner -- a truly priceless experience! The winners will also be driven around the Village circle in a convertible. "The High-Heel Hike has never been done before," said Burt. "They should make it an Olympic sport!"

REGISTRATION

There are three levels of registration for this hike: Platform Parade for $25, Pump Promenade for $50, and Stiletto Strut for $100. Those registration fees are minimum amounts for entry; participants are encouraged to collect as much money as possible from family and friends because all proceeds from the walk will go to funding pediatric cancer research and serving the needs of children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

To register, visit www.childrensdreamfund.org or www.pcfusa.org and click on High-Heel Hike or Shop 'Til You Drop. Additionally, Hikers can visit www.active.com and put High Heel Hike" in the event keyword search.

THE PARTNERS

Every child has a dream and the Children's Dream Fund has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses on the West Coast of Florida since 1981. One of the oldest and busiest wish granting organizations in the country, Children's Dream Fund has never denied a child or put a child on a waiting list. For more information visit www.childrensdreamfund.org

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation exists to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research that will lead to the elimination of childhood cancer worldwide. To date, PCF has funded $2 million in research at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, All Children's Research Institute in St. Petersburg and Shand's Hospital in Gainesville. For more information, visit www.pcfusa.org

Plant City native Jules Burt's artwork has been seen on the NBC series "FRIENDS" for seven seasons and is collected worldwide by art lovers from all walks of life, including Elton John, Madonna, Wynonna, Ashley Judd, Katie Couric, Richard Simmons and many, many more. For more information, visit www.julesburt.com

# # #