Duluth will get a taste of heaven Saturday, when more than 9,000 people are expected to lie on their backs -- simultaneously -- and make the world's biggest display of snow angels.

The massive display of wings in snowy Minnesota will ultimately benefit impoverished families in Ethiopia. The event, designed to break a Guinness world record, is a fundraiser spearheaded by the Duluth Rotary Club and the Proctor High School DECA team.

"We are excited to partner with numerous rotary clubs ... to host this extreme event for such an amazing, global cause," said Crystal Taylor, spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Duluth. "Our clubs hope to see people from all over the state attend this one-of-a-kind event."

The public is invited to participate in Angels for a Cause. In fact, a group from the Edina Rotary Club and others in the Twin Cities already are signed up to attend, said Taylor. People can show up the day of the event, or sign up in advance at makeyourmarkduluth.com.

The cost to participate in angel history is $5 for one person, or $10 for a family of three.

The plan is for participants to gather at the Malosky Stadium at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Some will be bused to other athletic fields, such as soccer fields or baseball fields, said Taylor. Others will stay at the football field.

Radio station hosts will be at each site, as will cheerleaders to encourage the angels to fly. And at 11 a.m. sharp, the horns will sound and the angel-making will begin.

The goal is to break the Guinness Book of World Records for snow angels --8,962-- set in 2007 by the State Historical Society of North Dakota in Bismarck.

Perhaps a more important goal is to earn money for impoverished families in Ethiopia. Funds will be donated to Global Team for Local Initiatives, a nonprofit based in Washington state that works to improve access to clean water, sanitation and literacy among indigenous people in southwest Ethiopia.

Jean Hopfensperger • 612-673-4511