OxfordPress.com

Roller coaster enthusiasts can have the ride of their lives and give a sick child the time of their life when the new Diamondback coaster debuts at Kings Island in April.

The amusement park is auctioning off seats for the first rides on the new 230-foot tall roller coaster that is under construction in Mason. All of the proceeds will go to A Kid Again, formerly Adventures for Wish Kids.

The bidding starts at $50 and the park will auction a minimum of 96 seats when the coaster rolls on opening day, April 18. Bids will be accepted until April 15. Park spokesman Don Helbig said Kings Island has joined forces with the nonprofit organization for several years.

"From my standpoint it's the most rewarding day of the year for me," he said.

Hap Durkin, executive director for A Kid Again, said the Cincinnati chapter of the organization serves almost 550 ill children and about 2,400 people total, including the kids' families. While other organizations like the Make A Wish Foundation fulfill one wish, A Kid Again takes the children and their families on 10 to 12 adventures a year. This fundraiser will be a boon to the group's efforts Durkin said.

"Any dollar amount would be great," he said.

Diamondback is the 15th roller coaster at Kings Island. The ride stands 230 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 215 feet at a 74-degree angle and will snake its way around 5,282 feet of track in excess of 80 miles per hour. Guests must be a minimum of 54 inches or taller to ride Diamondback.