It was time for some major fun with food products at the 19^th annual Gelatin Olympics, a fundraiser for the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, a philanthropic creation of the$1.2 billion American Heritage FCU in Philadelphia.

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

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

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

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

Along with the bright red gelatin to slide into, which attracted more 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 the 700-gallon pool of gelatin.

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

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

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