New York, New York - Just before the weekend hit, Coney Island announced that it would be celebrating the iconic Cyclone’s 85th anniversary a little bit earlier this year. For Saturday, just two weeks before the coasters true 85th anniversary (opened June 26, 1927), the park announced it would be holding its first ever Coasterthon charity event in conjunction with Cyclones 85th anniversary celebrations, giving nine nonprofit organizations a chance to raise money to support their charities.

For the event, each charity reserved one row on the Cyclone, and for every cycle completed, sponsors would donate a set amount of money towards their charity. In addition, Central Amusement International (CAI), a US subsidiary of ride manufacturer Zamperla who rebuilt Luna Park over the last few years, stated that they would be giving a grand prize of $24,000 to the group who stayed on the longest. Additionally, the winning charity is being awarded with passes for the Cyclone and adjoining Luna Park.

Cyclone, which opened in 1927, is an American icon and landmark in New York City and the amusement industry as a whole. The ever popular classic coaster has been mimicked many times in the industry, with six exact clones (four are still operating) and a seemingly countless number of other coasters with designs and layouts inspired by the ride. In 1977, Richard Rodriguez set a coaster marathon record of 104 hours on the coaster, in 1997 (70th anniversary) Tino Wallenda did a tightrope walk between the coasters two highest points, it has made appearances in The Sting II and Shakedown, and was the inspiration for the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team. With a recent retracking by the team at Great Coasters International (GCI), the ride should be running with a renewed vigor that should offer all participants a thrilling, and much smoother ride than they may have had in previous years.

As reported by the NY Post, Valerio Ferrari, president of CAI, stated “We are thrilled to commemorate the incredible 85 years of the Cyclone with all of these wonderful charities who give back to the community every day. The park confirmed that the nine participating organizations include: You gotta believe, Alzheimer Association, Special Olympics NYC, New York Cares, Sean Casey Animal Rescue, American Cancer Society, Give Kids the World, Wildlife Conservation, and Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP).