CRANDIC Railway hosts ride contests for charity

United Way organizations to benefit from fundraisers

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - September 1, 2009 - The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Company (CRANDIC) is sponsoring two fundraisers to raise money for the United Way of East Central Iowa. Rail fans are encouraged to participate in a raffle and/or online auction. The winner of each contest and a guest will ride on a CRANDIC locomotive during a regularly scheduled daytime delivery.

CRANDIC Chief Operating Officer Joe McGovern says the popular contests have been very successfu, with more than $1,600 raised in the past two years. "Our rail fans look forward to participating in these contests and we expect another great response," said McGovern. "We encourage participants to give generously this year."

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $2 each through September 30, 2009, at the Alliant Energy Transportation office 2330 12th St. S.W. in Cedar Rapids. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are also available during regular business hours at the Alliant Energy tower lobby, 200 First St. S.E.

Online auction bids through eBay will begin at 8 p.m. on September 17 and conclude at 8 p.m. September 27. Click here to join the fun for a great cause!

Contest rules: All proceeds to the United Way. Participants in the United Way/CRANDIC locomotive ride raffle drawing or online auction must be 18 years of age or older. Winner and one guest must sign a liability waiver prior to ride. The ride ticket may only be redeemed by the winner of the United Way/CRANDIC raffle drawing or the high bidder in the United Way online auction and cannot be transferred, sold or in any way conveyed to another party. Drawing will take place October 1, 2009. Raffle winner will be notified by phone. Online auction begins at 8 p.m. on September 17, 2009, and ends at 8 p.m. on September 27, 2009. The locomotive ride will take place during a regularly scheduled weekday delivery to customers on CRANDIC's Iowa City route. Rides for both contests must take place by September 30, 2010.