Exciting Expansions
IAAPA Attractions Expo efforts raise $110,000 for Give Kids The World
by Susie Storey
 ONCE AGAIN, GIVE KIDS THE WORLD WAS OVERWHELMED by the generous and heartfelt support IAAPA members showed during IAAPA Attractions Expo. From the record-setting $64,000 raised at the Sixth Annual IAAPA Charity Golf Tournament, to the increased turnout at the Fun Run and Walk at SeaWorld Orlando, to the always enjoyable Gala, association members helped GKTW in every way possible during their week in Orlando. The special events and support from the Expo raised a collective $110,000 for GKTW, but just as important was the increase in awareness and partnership that is felt from all members, including parks and attractions, manufacturers and suppliers, vendors, and the dedicated IAAPA staff.
Highlights from the Expo include:
Item Donations
Exhibitors donated multiple items that help GKTW keep costs down and smiles up! Thank you to Mahoning Valley Manufacturing, Ultra Play, Off the Wall, Berk Enterprises, Pucker Powder, International Mascot, and Zamperla for your generous gifts that our families have already begun to enjoy.
2008 Saturn Sky Raffle
New this year at the Expo was the chance to win a 2008 Saturn Sky at the GKTW booth. GKTW knew the chilipepper- red convertible, donated by General Motors, would be a hit with attendees. Tickets were sold all week, raising a total of $24,000 for the Village, and awarding Adam Harvey from Playland Park in Rye, New York, new transportation to head home in style.
 Village Expansions
Vortex will build a garden waterplay area at the Village in 2009; the renderings of this attraction were unveiled during the Expo. The beautiful new splash pad and interactive play area will be a much needed and welcome addition to GKTW.
“We are so blessed to have IAAPA and its members support Give Kids The World,” said Pamela Landwirth, president of GKTW. “Through their help this year, we were able to serve our 92,000th family. This year we also reached a milestone—welcoming a family from our 68th country. IAAPA is truly an international association, and through its assistance our international reach has grown, as well. We cannot say thank you enough.”
Tremendous growth will take place at the Village during 2009 with the completion of new family villas, as well as continued construction on the pool and Gingerbread House Restaurant expansion. Only through the dedication and support of so many generous partners like IAAPA members can Give Kids The World continue to bring happiness to children who need it most. We thank you for your partnership— we are already looking forward to Las Vegas!
Susie Storey is director of communications for Give Kids The World.
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