Children’s Play Area Ribbon Cutting Event to Host Children Of The Fallen™ As Special Guests

New play area at Cross Creek Mall highlights rich history of Cumberland County

Cumberland County, NC – January 17, 2013 –The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with The Army’s Army and Cross Creek Mall, is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to signify the official opening of the new play area at Cross Creek Mall. The event, which takes place on Monday, January 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. - noon, will honor children of fallen soldiers and local military families. 

“Military children are so important to us in Cumberland County. The new play area at Cross Creek Mall is not only an outstanding representation of the rich history our community holds but a fun environment for kids to learn and play. We are pleased to be able to host the official Play Area Grand Opening Celebration, with Children Of The Fallen and their families as our very special guests,” said John Meroski, CEO Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Children Of The Fallen was established as a mentoring program to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the war,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army. “Through this program, and the continued support from our partners and members, we are able to host fun, interactive events for surviving families, as well as pair children with supportive mentors.

The ribbon-cutting event will feature a variety of children’s entertainment, crafts, character appearances and door prizes provided by event partners, including the following:

•           Patriotic crafts provided by Cross Creek Mall

•           Chia Pet making provided by Fascinate-U Children's Museum

•           ‘Build An Insect’ by Cape Fear Botanical Garden

•           Children’s activities by Kidsville News

•           United Way of Cumberland County

As special guests of the grand opening event, Children Of The Fallen will receive lunch, courtesy of Chick-fil-A, as well as prize packs featuring a variety of coupons, gift cards and other items. 

The significance of the new play area, with each aspect relating to landmarks and historical sites in Cumberland County, is an optimal way for children to learn while enjoying themselves at the same time.  The FACVB’s efforts to involve military children in as many positive and supportive activities as possible continues to unfold, with the play area being the newest addition to the military community.

If you would like to make a donation to the Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children Of The Fallen Mentoring Program, please contact Janine West at (910)709-9671 or jlwest@armysarmy.com

About the FACVB:

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is the America's first military sanctuary. Through the Army's Army and other volunteer groups, our citizens and businesses are dedicated to watching over those who watch over

us.

About The Army’s Army:

The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com