From Nov. 22-Jan. 4

Railcars Make A Perfect Holiday Gift

DALLAS, Texas (December 2, 2008) – Ronald McDonald House of Dallas invites everyone to The Trains at NorthPark, a favorite holiday attraction that benefits the agency. Traveling across the United States at various landmarks, this train exhibit is a holiday tradition that has rolled into Dallas from November 22, 2008, through January 4, 2009 at NorthPark Center, Level 2 by Neiman Marcus.

This year's co-chairmen are Natalie Dossett and Nancy Kerr, and this year's Presenting Sponsor is American Clean Skies Foundation. Formed in 2007, the American Clean Skies Foundation provides facts on clean energy, such as natural gas, wind and solar, and about the need for greater energy efficiency. The Honorary Family is the Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger family.

Kerr said, "This attraction provides almost half of the operating budget for the House, so we encourage everyone to join us in bringing children to see the trains roll, volunteering for a shift, or supporting it through a donation."

Last year, more than 80,000 people visited the exhibit, the proceeds of which provide the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas nearly half of its annual $1.3 million operating budget. Barbara McDermott, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, "The dollars raised go to the seriously ill or injured children and their families served by the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which is a home-away-from-home for those traveling to Dallas with their children for treatment in local hospitals."

The Trains at NorthPark exhibit is the most elaborate toy train display in all of Texas, with vintage locomotives whizzing on a journey across America, past miniature national landmarks including Mount Rushmore, Dallas' skyline, New York City's Times Square and Washington, D.C.'s famous landmarks.

More than 40 Lionel-type O-Gauge and the larger G-Gauge locomotives chug simultaneously on 2,500 feet of winding track. The exhibit spans 2,800 square feet, with Dallas' Reunion Tower and the Statue of Liberty towering overhead.

Besides visiting the Trains at NorthPark exhibit, other opportunities to support the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas are by sponsoring The Trains at NorthPark or by purchasing a personalized hand-painted railcar, which will be on display at the Trains exhibit. Those wishing underwriting sponsorship information or to purchase a personalized railcar can contact the Ronald McDonald House online at www.rmhdallas.com or by calling 214.631.7354. Underwriting sponsorships begin at $500 and personalized railcars are $175, cabooses $225, and engines $300.

The community can also purchase raffle tickets to win a train set valued at $3,000, along with $1,000 in NorthPark gold. The tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Dossett said, "We would love the community's support of The Trains. If you are looking for a perfect holiday gift for a loved one or a business colleague, purchase a railcar and support the House. We have talented local artists hand-paint railcars, which are then used as part of the exhibit."

The exhibit will be on display from Saturday, November 22, 2008, through Sunday, January 4, 2009. Hours and times are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are as follows: November 26, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.; December 31, New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m.; January 1, New Year's Day, at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but open New Year's Day.

The cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older). Children under 2 admitted free. Discount tickets are available at all Tom Thumb stores ($1.00 off regular admission). NorthPark Center is located at North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225. Visitors can also use valet parking off the Boedeker entrance on the second level (between Neiman Marcus and Barney's New York). For more information, visit www.rmhdallas.com or call 214.631.7354.