Although IAAPA members were busy exhibiting and attending seminars throughout the 2002 Trade Show, they also made it a priority to demonstrate their heartfelt commitment to Give Kids The World Village. The wide range of gifts and pledges to GKTW was genuine evidence of the unwavering, ever-evolving partnership between IAAPA and the Village.

Eager to see the 51-acre resort that IAAPA members have helped to create for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, many convention attendees, including the marketing and public relations committee, took advantage of the opportunity to tour the GKTW Village in nearby Kissimmee. GKTW was especially proud to show off the recently completed Marc’s DinoPutt miniature golf course.

Other highlights for GKTW were check presentations from organizations such as the New Jersey Amusement Association, the European Coaster Club, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who coordinated fundraisers for the Village throughout the past year.

The convention week closed with spectacular results for GKTW. Spurred on by the offer of show contractor Shepard Exposition Services to transport any of the exhibitors’ excess items to GKTW, manufacturers and suppliers responded enthusiastically with the following donations: strollers and wagons from Mahoning Valley Manufacturing; waste containers and janitorial equipment from Rubbermaid Commercial Products; modular flooring from Turtle Plastics; bench and waste receptacles from Pavestone Co.; novelties from Handee Products; and a table with an umbrella from Aerovane Products. Many thanks to all for their continued support of Give Kids The World Village. We look forward to seeing you again in Orlando in 2003!

IAAPA president Clark Robinson and wife, DeeAnn, visited the world’s smallest theme park located at the Amberville miniature railroad.

GKTW’s Pam Landwirth awarded a well-deserved “GKTW Partner” ribbon to William Leathers of ValleyCrest, a contributor of many supplies and services to GKTW, including the magnificent cave at the Village’s new mini golf course.

Tiffany Reagor, a volunteer Dippin’ Dots employee, painted a child’s face at the Village’s weekly Christmas celebration on Thursday night.

John Graff (right) congratulated Ashley Heron of Fun2Learn for contributing a children’s ride to GKTW.

Geoffrey Thompson (right) of Blackpool Pleasure Beach awarded Pam Landwirth and GKTW a check contribution of £629.38 ($999.14).