For Immediate Release

Southwest Airlines Steps Up to the Mound to Strikeout Childhood Obesity

Southwest Airlines serves as title sponsor for 3rd Annual Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball Challenge

Charleston, S.C. (July 26, 2013) – Louie’s Kids welcomes Southwest Airlines as the 2013 title sponsor of the 3rd Annual Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball Challenge. The event, this year held on November 9 at Joe Riley Park, raises funds for Louie’s Kids, a national nonprofit that helps treat childhood obesity as well as promotes a healthier more productive life through programs like RunBuddies. The event’s guests will have the opportunity to watch national celebrities play-it-out for the title of Slim Down the South Team Champion

“At Southwest Airlines, we work diligently to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Ana Schwager, Southwest Airlines Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader. “We champion causes that matter most in the communities and are proud to support Louie’s Kids and their mission to strengthen the future of communities by teaching children how to be better, healthier citizens.”

“This year’s event will be bigger and better than before and I’m excited Southwest gets to be a part of the fun,” said Louis Yuhasz, founder of Louie’s Kids. “With a lineup of big-name celebrities to round out the teams, each sponsored by REV Restaurant Group and Wells Fargo, a dedicated kid’s area during the game, and fun antics during and between innings, this year’s event is sure to be a grand slam.”

The REV Restaurant Group and Wells Fargo have also joined Southwest Airlines in support of the Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball Challenge and will act as team sponsors for the game.

In the past, the Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball Challenge featured teams made up of well-known celebrities and athletes coached by, actor and comedian, Bill Murray, and singer-songwriter, Darius Rucker, and raised close to $60,000 for its cause and kids.

For more information on Louie’s Kids or Slim Down the South, visit LouiesKids.org or SlimDowntheSouth.com.

About Louie’s Kids

Founded in 2001 in Alexandria, Va., and operated today out of Charleston, SC, Louie's Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to empower children to make changes, both physically and mentally, for a healthier and more productive life. The mission of Louie’s Kids is to strengthen the future of the communities they serve by making children healthier and improved citizens, while also providing excellent stewardship to those funders who invest their time and treasure in the children served. For information and updates follow Louie’s Kids on Facebook and Twitter.

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Media Contact:

Andrea Felber- Andrea@louieskids.org

Gray Anderson- ganderson@rawlemurdy.com