(The following story by Judith McGinnis appeared on the Times Record News website on June 3, 2009.)
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad will offer a special ride June 12 to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wichita Falls.
More than 140 tickets are now available to the public at $25 per ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. Departing at noon from the railroad track crossing at 10th Street in Wichita Falls, the three-hour ride will include a light lunch and plenty of fun. Festoons of balloons and music by the Mad Medics will see the train off.
“This is just a wonderful opportunity for us to share the excitement of a train trip with our members and supporters while raising some much-needed funds,” said B&GC assistant director Randy Cooper. “So many youngsters have never been on a train, it should make some special summer memories.”
The 2009 BNSF Special was selected to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America because of “the quality of the organization, the opportunities for partnership on a national level and because BNSF supports and is enthusiastic about the work of Boys and Girls Clubs in local communities,” according to the railroad’s news release.
Other Boys & Girls Club train rides are being sponsored June 10 in Oklahoma City, June 11 in Gainesville, Texas, June 17 in Fort Worth and June 22 in Houston.
People interested in riding are reminded that there is no smoking on the train. Passengers should wear casual clothes and athletic or other sturdy shoes.
To purchase tickets or for more information on the 2009 BNSF Special, call the Boys & Girls Club administrative offices at (940) 322-2012.