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2007 Grand Prize Winner—Congratulations!

Prince George’s County, Reunion Capital USA, has announced the
Grand Prize Winner of the Family Reunion Sweepstakes. Mrs. Kendie Reich, of the county’s own Laurel, Maryland will receive a reunion prize package for her family and close friends. “My family is just the most important part of my life” Kendie says with emotion. She and husband Kevin plan to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary during the reunion event.

Kendie entered the contest by going to the website www.ReunionCapitalUSA.com with the hopes of winning a few free tickets to Six Flags America® for her four children ages 3-16. “Even after receiving several notifications of her award by email and phone, she still didn’t believe she had actually won the grand prize” says J. Matthew Neitzey, Executive Director of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Conference & Visitors Bureau.

Along with its major partners and county sponsors, Prince George’s County Conference & Visitors Bureau will provide hotel accommodations and host food and catering services for a bountiful celebration dinner, a breakfast buffet, and evening reception. The entire Reich family celebration will also be treated to a guided cultural tour of gorgeous Prince George’s County, an informative genealogy workshop for those curious about their family roots, and a fabulous time at Six Flags America® family theme park. The group will be provided a hospitality room for gathering, photography services for their reunion, and t-shirts printed with their name, reunion date, location, sweepstakes partners and sponsors.

Originally from Beltsville and Takoma Park respectively, Kevin and Kendie enjoy spending time with their family camping, coaching and playing baseball, kayaking, biking, beaching, power boating, skiing (water and snow) and snowboarding. Taking photos and creating scrapbooks of her three sons and daughter are also a pastime forKendie. The couple and their children share a passion for the organization Reaching Hearts 4 Kids (www.reachinghearts4kids.org) which helps orphans or severely disadvantaged children receive proper food, shelter, clothing, education and medical care in nurturing surroundings under the protection of those who will give them the love, hope, and care that every child deserves.

Family time is especially important to the Reich’s, Kendie and Kevin are Family Life directors of their church, which promotes meaningful communications in relationships. They are planning the reunion celebration to include an inclusive family circle: their church family, close friends, and family members from near and far. They are all looking forward to Six Flags America® Family Theme Park, one of Reunion Capital USA’s
major attractions in Prince George’s County.

Prince George’s County Conference & Visitors Bureau has partnered with Marriott Greenbelt, Six Flags America®, and First Priority Trailways to host the Family Reunion Sweepstakes. Other sponsors include the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Entertainment Cruises, Radisson Hotel Largo, and the Sheraton Washington North Hotel. The Sweepstakes event is in support of the Livable Communities Initiative that is working to strengthen families and foster pride in Prince George’s County, its communities, and businesses.

Marriott International recently honored the Marriott Greenbelt as the “Hotel of the Year.” Over 3,000 Marriott hotels worldwide compete yearly for this prestigious award. “Prince George’s County is thrilled to have the leading lodging chain in the world recognize the Greenbelt Marriott as their star of stars,” said Mr. Neitzey. “This award is testament to management excellence. We couldn’t be more proud.” The hotel is convenient to the business, government and cultural centers of the Nation's Capital. Situated between Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington DC, the Marriott Greenbelt is the perfect location for guests visiting the area.

Six Flags America's® general manager, Christopher Haenn says, "With over 100 rides, shows, attractions, a full-scale water park and gorgeous picnic pavilions featuring private catered meals, Six Flags America® provides the perfect venue for a family gathering…we have something for everyone. Our mission is to provide family fun and fond memories, so we are the ideal spot in Prince George's County to bring family–from nearby or across the country– for an entire day's worth of memorable experiences!"

President & CEO Marcia Milton of First Priority Trailways, was presented the 2007 BusRide Motorcoach Industry Achievement Award for excellence, commitment, and accomplishment. Located in District Heights, Maryland, First Priority Trailways provides transportation services for private charters and tours, convention shuttle service, executive outings, airport transfers, concerts, ski tours, shopping excursions, weddings,
sporting events, and sightseeing.

To learn more about bringing your family together including reunion tips and guidelines, family games and crafts, genealogy information, plenty of free resources, and even a place for families to share their favorite recipes and reunion stories, check out our website at www.ReunionCapitalUSA.com.