Stories of Sacrifice, Camaraderie, Compassion Vie for Votes, Travel and $15,000 in Pigeon Forge "Taking Vacation Back" Campaign
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (July 2010) - Thanks to technology, a random act of kindness and the click of a mouse may profoundly benefit someone's life by winning that person $15,000 and a family escape to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Votes are accumulating throughout July for stories posted online in a campaign called "Taking Vacation Back" that is organized by the family travel destination of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The campaign is a direct response to the sluggish economy and a declaration that vacations, even short ones, are good for families.
"The last couple of years have pinched people, and many have sacrificed family vacations. Since April, we've been identifying people who deserve a break and rewarded them with a Pigeon Forge vacation and progressively bigger cash gifts. July's $15,000, intended to help someone with a year's worth of mortgage or rent payments, it the culmination," said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
The online stories, as told by friends, family members or colleagues, are open for public votes at www.MyPigeonForge.com.
"Taking Vacation Back" began in April, when more than 200 stories were posted. That month, 20 families won $100 gas cards and a trip to Pigeon Forge.
In May, 10 families received the Pigeon Forge vacation package and $2,100 toward utilities. In June, five families were awarded $6,600 for car payments, along with the Pigeon Forge packages. Throughout the campaign, those who nominated the monthly winners also earned trips to Pigeon Forge.
"The 'Taking Vacation Back' campaign is resonating with Americans nationwide," said Downey. "Each story gives us a glimpse into others' lives and offers us the opportunity to vote for a deserving family to give them a much needed break."
Nominations include people who have dealt with job loss, soldiers returning from war, community volunteers, caregivers who have little time for themselves and people who have endured natural disasters such as tornados and floods.
About Pigeon Forge:
The resident population of Pigeon Forge is approximately 6,200, and the city attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. Home to Tennessee's most visited ticketed attraction, the Dollywood theme park, Pigeon Forge boasts more than a dozen theaters, scores of family attractions and more than 250 outlet, craft and specialty stores. Pigeon Forge's newest attraction is the Titanic Museum Attraction, a permanent museum to the forever-famous ship.
Additional details about Pigeon Forge, including "Taking Vacation Back," are available at www.MyPigeonForge.com.
Contact:
Tom Adkinson, APR
615-327-1189
tadkinson@bohanideas.com