Gabrielle Douglas Headlines "Kids' Health Goes Gold" Sept. 5 in Charlotte, NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "Kids' Health Goes Gold," a new national initiative promoting children's health and wellness, harnesses some serious girl power, including two-time Olympic gold medalist and America's sweetheart Gabrielle Douglas. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to get up close with U.S. Olympic champions during the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Foundation For The Carolinas, 220 North Tryon St.

The eight Olympic superstars all played a vital role in American women's dominance at the London Olympics. They include four of the "Fierce Five" gymnasts Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber plus swimming sensation world-record holders Rebecca Soni and Dana Vollmer and soccer stars Lauren Cheney and Abby Wambach, who helped lead the U.S. women's soccer team to its third straight Olympic gold medal. The group collectively won 13 Olympic gold medals earlier this summer, and will participate in the event along with medical experts from Levine Children's Hospital, part of Carolinas HealthCare System.

"I'm excited to come to Charlotte for "Kids' Health Goes Gold" to meet with fans and share my personal tips on leading a healthy lifestyle," says Gabrielle Douglas. "I want kids to understand that fitness and good nutrition are the building blocks for success and will give them the strength and confidence to accomplish their goals – whether it's winning a gold medal, getting straight As or finishing all of their chores."

The event focusing on children's health and wellness is presented by Edge Health and will also feature physician experts from Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS). Following the brief presentation, guests will dine with the Olympic champions, and enjoy a session where they can get autographs and have their photographs taken with the athletes. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras and will receive a special souvenir t-shirt.

"Kids' Health Goes Gold" will benefit Project L.I.F.T., an initiative dedicated to supporting gap-closing reforms in nine high-need and historically low-performing schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C., school district; CHS' Levine Children's Hospital, recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as being among the top 50 "Best Children's Hospitals" in the nation for pediatric care in six specialties; and Cookies For Kids' Cancer, a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers.

There are two sessions, limited to 150 participants each, at "Kids' Health Goes Gold" at Foundation For The Carolinas, 220 North Tryon St., on Sept. 5. Tickets are available for either 8 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 4 p.m. and can be purchased at http://www.kidshealthgoesgold.eventbrite.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KidsGoGold to get updates and the inside scoop.

About Edge Health
The creator of "Kids' Health Goes Gold," Edge Health, is an entertainment and branding entity that focuses on healthcare. Through various national awareness programs and events, Edge Health hopes to inform, inspire and entertain. The Edge portfolio includes consumer awareness programs such as On The Line (www.ontheline.com), a prostate cancer campaign; Cancer Bites (www.cancerbites.tv) highlighting blood cancer and Kaleidoscope (www.kaleidoscope.org) a live event and national television broadcast highlighting cancer survivorship.  Additionally the Edge companies produce The Teen Choice Awards on FOX and have served as producers of the Kids' Choice Awards on Nickelodeon. To learn more, visit www.edgehealth.com

About Carolinas HealthCare System & Levine Children's Hospital
Carolinas HealthCare System (www.carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of more than 650 care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, healthcare pavilions, physician practices, destination centers, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and hospice and palliative care. Carolinas HealthCare System works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

CHS' Levine Children's Hospital is a 12-story, 234-bed facility designed with family-centered care as a top priority. As the most comprehensive children's hospital between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., LCH treats more children than any other hospital in the Carolinas. Located on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center, it serves as the regional referral center for pediatric trauma and pediatric surgical services.

About Project L.I.F.T.
Project L.I.F.T. is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting gap-closing reforms in nine high-need and historically low-performing schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C., school district. To ensure all children receive the promise of a high-quality education, Project L.I.F.T. aspires to lift up and accelerate the school district's efforts to improve academic outcomes for all students. For more information, please visit www.projectliftcharlotte.org.

About Cookies For Kids' Cancer
Cookies for Kids' Cancer is a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers. Through local bake sales, Cookies for Kids' Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer. For more information, please visit www.charlottegoodcookies.com.

Media Contact: Gwen Poth/Edge Health, 704-231-9121, [email protected]

SOURCE Edge Health