Apr04VillageNews

IAAPA and Give Kids The World are pleased to announce the latest member facilities to join the World Passport for Kids program, which offers free admission to GKTW Wish children and their immediate families for a one-year period: Full Blast, Battle Creek, Mich.; Playland Park, Rye, N.Y.; Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Arnolds Park, Iowa; Gef’s Waterpark at Leisure Coast Resort, Dagupan City, Philippines; Santa’s Village, Jefferson, N.H.; and Sultan Kayiklari, Istanbul, Turkey.

If you are an IAAPA member facility and interested in learning more about the program, please visit www.iaapa.org/partnerships.html for details.

Countless Smiles and Endless Laughter
Along with welcoming new participants to the World Passport program, IAAPA and GKTW would like to thank those who demonstrated their heartfelt, generous commitment to the program last year. During 2003, IAAPA’s partner facilities hosted a total of 9,768 GKTW children and family members, more than a 21 percent increase over the 2002 season. The estimated monetary value of the program in 2003 was $390,720, but the magical memories that were created were priceless. Our sincere appreciation goes out to all of you for making a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

Throughout the year, both IAAPA and GKTW receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from families about the benefits of the World Passport program. Wish families are always eager to express how important the program is. This letter from the Corey family is a perfect example:

Dear Michigan’s Adventure:

The purpose of this note is to thank you for the complimentary admission to Michigan’s Adventure and for the gracious attitude given to my family.
Because my daughter has serious health and developmental concerns, we were invited to a week at Give Kids The World. Upon checkout from the Village, GKTW told us that your facility is one of the many IAAPA partners who would help to keep us “dreaming” by giving us complimentary admission to your park. When we contacted you to confirm this amazing offer, you responded with a resounding, “Yes, you are welcome here!”
My family visited your facility in early July, received complimentary admission, was graciously admitted, and had a great time. Some especially memorable events included:

• The assistants at the admissions office were very helpful.
• The rides were just perfect and provided entertainment for all of us.
• We were told the perfect spot to view the sunset, and we went!

As you can probably imagine, visiting your facility with a child having serious health/mental issues can be a challenge. My daughter does require much attention, is slow moving, and is uncertain of new places. And yet, we have two boys who need our attention, time, and love as well. With your assistance, our whole family was able to enjoy a great time without having to worry.

Thank you again for participating in this sponsorship, allowing us to visit Michigan’s Adventure Park, and for providing a magnificent family experience. We could not have done it without your generosity and graciousness.

More Thanks
The Coreys also wrote to the other member facilities they visited, including Chimney Rock Park in Chimney Rock, N.C.; Paramount’s Kings Island in Kings Island, Ohio; Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.; Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Myrtle Beach Grand Prix & Wild Water Park in Surfside Beach, S.C.

Once Upon a Time, 18 Years Ago
Every day at Give Kids The World Village is a celebration of life, laughter, and love. To commemorate the very first of those joy-filled days, GKTW Wish families, volunteers, and staff gathered together on March 7 for Founder’s Day. The date marked the eighteenth anniversary of GKTW and honored the seventy-seventh birthday of GKTW founder Henri Landwirth. It also was a day for GKTW to recognize partners, like you! GKTW is very proud and grateful for our partnership with IAAPA. Thank you again for everything!