Communities In Schools (CIS) and SandhillsKids have partnered to create the area's first and only "Family Fun Guide."

The 150-plus page publication contains tons of information about local parks, museums, schools, restaurants, businesses, shopping and area tid-bits sure to make a parent's life a little easier. The book also contains a business directory and is filled with area coupons. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each book go to local schools.

The publication will be distributed in August through local Moore County School PTAs and other school groups, private schools, preschools and home school groups as a fundraiser. Fifty percent of the cost of each guide will be given to the selling organization. The initial printing will include 10,000 to 15,000 copies and will be updated annually.

"As parents ourselves, we are really excited about publishing a guide to the region and offering schools an alternative to traditional fundraisers" said Monica Zimmerman, founder of SandhillsKids. "Our goal is to create an easy-to-use resource that complements SandhillsKids.com. This way when your computer isn't handy, you just flip open your Family Guide."

Communities In Schools, a local nonprofit and the leading drop-out prevention program in the United States, has partnered with SandhillsKids to help raise funds for local schools. The mission of CIS is to connect community resources with schools to help kids stay in school, succeed in school and be better prepared for life.

"The 'Sandhills Family Guide' fits right in with the goals of CIS by helping schools and local businesses raise funds for much needed resources for both students and teacher projects in Moore County," says Andi Korte, executive director of CIS. "CIS is proud to partner with SandhillsKids." CIS is a United Way Agency.

SandhillsKids.com is the area's leading resourcing for families. With over 3.5 million hits and 234,000 unique visitors in 2007, it has become a parent's first choice for local information.

"Because of our success online and at the request of many of our users, it just seemed natural for us to publish a regional guide," says Rollie Sampson, co-owner of SandhillsKids.

"It's a great way for us to share everything we've learned as well as recommendations from area parents."

In addition to being a resource for parents and fundraiser for schools, the guide offers a wide range of advertising opportunities for local businesses.

For more information visit www.SandhillsKids.com, e-mail kidsinfo@sandhillskids.com or contact Rollie Sampson at (910) 603-8750.

Schools, preschools and other organizations interested in participating in the fundraiser should register with Yvonne Petersen, CIS program coordinator at (910) 246-6470 or e-mail ypetersen-cis@hotmail.com. Books will be available for distribution in August and cost $10 each.