FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
CCFA CONTINUES TO GENERATE FUNDS THROUGH UNIQUE SUMMER FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Over $400,000 Raised From Skydiving, Biking and Auto Racing Events

New York, NY - (October 24, 2005) – Fundraising "out of the box" is working for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).  Through its summer skydiving, biking and auto racing events, the Foundation has reached an untraditional set of younger fundraisers and donors.  In doing so, it has raised more than $400,000 in 2005 to help wipe out Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two debilitating diseases that affect an estimated 1.4 million Americans.

The Second Annual CCFA Jumping Blue Beans Jump Across America took place on May 14.  Over 90 jumpers gathered to tandem skydive at five locations across the country.  The group raised more than $120,000.  Jason Hyne, of Wayne, NJ, was crowned "Champion Fundraiser" for raising over $10,000 for the second year in a row.

On June 10-12, 61 riders, supported by 41 volunteer crew members, came together from 15 states and raised more than $120,000 for CCFA.  The Get Your Guts In Gear Ride for Crohn's & Colitis was a three-day, 210-mile bicycle ride from New York City to Saratoga Springs, NY.  This joint fundraising effort was produced by Get Your Guts in Gear, CCFA, The United Ostomy Association and the IBD Quilt Project. 

The summer events concluded on September 18 when CCFA members and supporters ripped through America's fastest mile at high speed at the Second Annual Power Speedway Speed the Cure event at Dover International Speedway, DE.  The event, which gave participants the thrill of a true Nascar® experience by driving or riding in a Nextel® or Busch Series racecar, took in some $60,000 in donations and sponsorship.  Doug Shefsky, of West Hartford, CT, was the Power Speedway's highest fundraiser, raising over $9,000 in donations to benefit CCFA.

"This year, we saw major growth in third-party events – events that people create by themselves with our support to benefit the Foundation," said Roger Koman, vice president of new enterprises at CCFA.  "Through third party events, CCFA raised some $100,000.  We continue to explore other unique and out-of-the-ordinary events that will extend our awareness and reach into key market segments that go beyond CCFA's natural constituency."

Next year, CCFA is planning to expand on these successful fundraising efforts by adding a hot air balloon event and others yet to be announced.  To register, donate or volunteer for one of CCFA's 2006 fundraising events or for more details, call 800-343-3637, or visit www.ccfa.org/chapters/greatevents.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system.  Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames the large intestine (colon) only.  Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss.  Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.  These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease.  Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from these diseases, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18.  Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About CCFA:
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 80 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs.  CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org).  For more information, contact CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
 
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Media Contact:
Danny Jovic
PFS Marketwyse on behalf of CCFA
973-812-8883 ext. 249
djovic@pfsmarketwyse.com