ROCK CLIMBING NEWS ITEM

Hugs to Benefit Dreams for Kids

THURSDAY, 31 MAY 2007

The first annual Embrace Race to break the Guinness World Record for the most hugs in a 24 hour period will be attempted by Dean Ruddy (Mt. Prospect, IL) and Ross Smith (Toronto, Canada) beginning on Friday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m.

The pair will be giving out hugs south of the Tribune Tower at 435 N. Michigan Ave. (across from the Wrigley Building, next to the Jack Brickhouse statue.) until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 2 and will be raising money and awareness for Dreams for Kids. During the 24 hour period, they will be attempting to break the record of 4,135 hugs. Dean and Ross both currently live in Gravesend, England where they both play professional soccer. They also have a personal contest to see who can hug the most celebrities.

"We came up with the idea during a break in our soccer schedule and are excited to partner with a worthwhile organization like Dreams for Kids" says Dean "We hope to raise a great deal of awareness and money to help them with their mission of providing Extreme Recess programs to kids with disabilities."

Dreams for Kids is a 501 charitable organization based in Chicago and the Extreme Recess program provides opportunities for kids of all abilities to experience activities like kayaking, water skiing, snow skiing, white water rafting, camping and rock climbing with adapted equipment that ensures kids with physical challenges achieve success.

For more information on the embrace race, visit the Dreams for Kids site at www.dreamsforkids.org.

The Dreams for Kids Mission is to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities that inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and compassionately change the world.

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