It was time for some major fun with food products at the19^th annual Gelatin Olympics, a fundraiser for theKids-N-Hope Foundation, a philanthropic creation of the$1.2 billionAmerican Heritage FCU in Philadelphia.

American Heritage created the foundation in 1996 and it hassince raised more than $790,000 for the Children's Seashore Houseof the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Participants from other credit unions and businesses get intothe action, of course.

Freedom Credit Union employee Adrian Lopez came in fourth indonations but first in fun, he said, as he raised $1,000 toparticipate. A systems analyst in the IT department at the $572million Freedom, Lopez relished his slide into 700 gallons ofgelatin at the June 13 event.

“Getting to slide was so much fun, and the best part was raisingmoney for a great cause,” he said. “I'm really proud of Freedom'sinvolvement with this event and having the opportunity toparticipate!”

Along with the bright red gelatin to slide into, which attractedmore than 100 participants, there also was a balloon toss contest,gelatin eating contest and a gelatin seek-and-find.

Busines end first for this slider makes a fine entry into the700-gallon pool of gelatin.

Freedom Credit Union's Adrian Lopez after he slid for the causeat the 19^th annual Gelatin Olympics.

Intech Construction sliders Deb and Lee, dressed as Little RedRiding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. They raised more than $4,500 forthe Kids-N-Hope Gelatin Olympics.

This little guy learned the ways of the balloon toss at thefamily friendly event.