Amtrak Designates Boys & Girls Clubs of America as the Fourth Annual National Train Day Charity

The Empress of Soul Gladys Knight headlines benefit concert, Amtrak offers Clubs members a National Park summer adventure

News provided by

Amtrak

Apr 25, 2011, 12:49 ET

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the cornerstone of this year's National Train Day celebration, Amtrak is thanking the communities it serves by partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and creating a variety of opportunities to help enrich the lives of its Club members. Boys & Girls Club members will showcase their vocal talents in a special benefit concert in New York with Gladys Knight; participate in National Train Day signature events in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago; and travel on Amtrak trains as part of the new "Explore the Great Outdoors Adventure" program.

"National Train Day is a day to celebrate trains and a time to uplift our communities by contributing positively to the lives of the people in them," said David Lim, Chief Marketing Officer, Amtrak.

"We are delighted that Amtrak has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bring unique experiences to many youth we serve," said Frank Sanchez, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment, BGCA. "Our Club members are thrilled to perform with Ms. Knight in New York and are equally eager to travel on Amtrak this summer."

National Train Day Rock'n the Rail Way Benefit Concert

Amtrak teamed up with GRAMMY® Award-winner and long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Gladys Knight, to headline the National Train Day Rock'n the Rail Way benefit concert at the renowned Beacon Theatre in New York on May 5.

"Gladys Knight is a natural fit for Amtrak as the National Train Day spokesperson. Just as her music bridges generations by connecting with young and old alike, Amtrak and trains connect people to one another – both onboard and from coast-to-coast," said David Lim, Chief Marketing Officer, Amtrak. "There is also the shared admiration for the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs and the value they bring to youth in communities across America."

The concert will serve as the kick-off to the National Train Day celebration and include a special "sneak peek" of Knight's new song "The Dream" prior to its national debut. The Randy Jackson-produced song, was recently donated by Knight to raise awareness of the role Boys & Girls Clubs play in fulfilling the dreams of some 4 million youth every day, especially those who need the most, but have the least. Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club (New York) members who provided back-up vocals during the recording of the song will take the stage with Knight to perform "The Dream" live at the concert.

"I wrote 'The Dream' to inspire young people and cannot wait to perform it live with the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club for the first time at the National Train Day benefit concert," said Knight.

Additionally, choirs from Boys & Girls Clubs in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia will give a special performance at the concert. A portion of the proceeds from concert ticket sales will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs. Tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 866-858-0008.

National Train Day Signature Events

Boys & Girls Clubs members will have the opportunity to take part in the opening ceremonies at signature National Train Day events on May 7 in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago. The participating Clubs are:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Washington, D.C.
Caring People Alliance/Boys & Girls Club, Philadelphia
Challengers Boys & Girls Club, Los Angeles
Union League Boys & Girls Club, Chicago

Explore the Great Outdoors Adventure

Amtrak created a program called "Explore the Great Outdoors Adventure" where members of the above-mentioned Boys & Girls Clubs as well as Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club will travel on Amtrak trains to National Parks in their regions for a day-long excursion this summer and explore the wonders of our country's National Parks. The youth will take part in the Junior Ranger Program, participate in discussions with park rangers and receive official Junior Ranger badges and certificates at the conclusion of their adventures.

For more information about National Train Day and Amtrak's partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, visit www.nationaltrainday.com.

About Amtrak®:

Amtrak is America's Railroad, the nation's intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journey at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America:

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has changed and saved lives, enabling young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in neighborhoods throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family support. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

Contact: Christina Leeds
202-906-3860
Amtrak

Stephanie Aenchbacher
312-233-1247
Edelman

SOURCE Amtrak