From Target's Nov. 23 PRNewswire:
Today at 2:00 p.m. EST, David Blaine, the world's greatest endurance artist and magician, provided a thrilling conclusion to one of his biggest challenges to date. Last week, Target(R) presented Blaine with the following challenge: escape from shackles while dangling five stories above New York City's Times Square in time for the Target 2-Day Sale on Friday, November 24 at 6:00 a.m. This afternoon, Blaine freed himself from his restraints and jumped 50 feet to the platform below him. As a result of finishing the challenge on time, tomorrow Blaine and The Salvation Army will host 100 children on a shopping spree at Target to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Since Tuesday, Blaine had been locked into a gyroscope, spinning continuously, and suspended high above the ground in Times Square -- on a lot on West 46th Street near Eighth Avenue. To end the challenge, he surprised onlookers by jumping from a dizzying height of five stories onto the platform below him.
"I am thrilled that the challenge is over and that 100 children will receive a dream holiday shopping spree tomorrow at Target," said David Blaine, moments after the conclusion of the challenge. "This has been an amazing experience and I could not have spent my Thanksgiving in a more fulfilling way."
David Blaine's challenge will directly benefit 100 deserving children this holiday season. With the successful conclusion of the challenge, Blaine will be on hand tomorrow morning, Friday, November 24, at 5:00 a.m., one hour before Target opens to the public, to escort the kids on a truly magical shopping excursion. Specially chosen by The Salvation Army, each family will receive a Target GiftCard valued at $500.
"There's absolutely no one else who can grab the public's attention like David Blaine," said John Remington, vice president, marketing, Target. "Target is thankful that he accepted our challenge and succeeded in time to join the children and their families for the start of the Target 2-Day Sale. With David's help, this should be a wonderful and unforgettable season for all."