Avalanche Bay(TM) Indoor Waterpark Honors 20 Michigan Military Families with Ultimate Family Getaway for Ribbon-Cutting May 24-25

          Michigan's Saturn Retailers Supply 2005 Relay for Trip

  WHO

Military families from communities all across Michigan taking part in a military appreciation program at Boyne Mountain resort's Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark and Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa create opportunities for localizing Memorial Day holiday coverage as well as the State's biggest news in weatherproof family vacation travel.

WHAT

As part of the festivities leading up to grand opening, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark and Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa, along with support from Michigan's Saturn retailers, host a special getaway for the families. Each family has a personal and inspiring story to share and available for interviews and photos.

In recognition of their sacrifices and support of others in times of need, representatives from the National Guard Family Program in Lansing and Selfridge Air Force Base helped the resort identify families to receive a red carpet reception and accommodations, private waterpark access and activities for the kids, a VIP party, complimentary spa treatments and special recognition during Avalanche Bay's ribbon-cutting ceremony. And with the assistance of Michigan's Saturn retailers, each family receives complimentary use of a new 7-passenger Relay for the trip. Additional press material is available at http://www.avalanchebay.com/pressroom .

DETAILS

Bay City/Saginaw Area: Towne family - husband was among the first wave deployed and had 16 hours notice before he left in January 2003. "His deployment brought us even closer together. We no longer take the little things for granted."

Midland Area: Varner family - busy raising 4 kids, during her husband's deployment. But she has also taken the time to start a chapter of Operation Homefront in Michigan, a national non-profit that supports the troops by helping the families they leave behind.

Flint Area: Maus, Bennett and Bates families - facing the day-to-day challenges of raising children during their spouse's deployments.

Greater Detroit Area: Boucher, Lerczak, Kozlowski and Vaillancourt families from Macomb County, represent a mix of deployed and recently returned veterans. Fisher family is from Oakland County.

Washtenaw County: Lewis family experienced husband and son simultaneous deployments. The husband made it back, but son did not. Family has been very active in helping other veteran's groups.

Grand Rapids Area: The Larsen and Pitsch families, the latter just received word spouse will be on a 15 day leave in time for the trip and can enjoy being together after a long deployment, saying "I know it sounds corny, but just being able to eat a meal together and play together and just be together sounds a little bit like heaven right now."

Lansing Area: Gerwolds and Day families. Day is raising three kids on her own during husband's deployment. "I have three children and it is very hard being a single mom. The hardest part is weekends and holidays ... (we) need the break ... and I'm looking forward to hearing my kids laugh as they play."

Kalamazoo/Jackson Area: Beatty family is taking care of four-year old twins and a 15-month-old during husband deployment.

Traverse City Area: The Farrell and Kane families. Kane's husband has been deployed since November 2004. Their two kids have given up a lot, and hoping being around others in similar situation will be a comfort to them all.

Cadillac Area: Simmons family is taking care of 9 kids during husband's deployment. She'll be joining us with 6 of the children, ranging in age from 1 to 15.

  WHEN
  Saturn Relay pick up at local dealer - May 23, 2005 (call for times)
  Media check-in at Mountain Grand Lodge - May 24, 2005
   10 a.m. - noon
  Red Carpet arrival for families - noon, May 24, 2005
   (Followed by lunch, activities and VIP dinner)
  Avalanche Bay Ribbon Cutting - May 25, 2005 - 11 a.m.

Media are invited to enjoy complimentary accommodations at Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa. Flight travel and accommodations are available. If unable to attend, photography and/or video coverage of their visits are available upon request.

  WHERE
  Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa, Boyne Falls,
   MI
  Driving Directions at http://www.avalanchebay.com/details.htm

PRNewswire -- May 18