|
Dreams Do Come True
Expo events raised more than $55,000 for GKTW
by Susie Storey
 Celebrating 15 years of partnership with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Give Kids The World (GKTW) once again experienced a week filled with support for Wish children from around the world during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009. From an afternoon volunteer event to the successful golf tournament to the 5K Fun Run/1K Walk, IAAPA members and Expo attendees truly embraced GKTW and its mission.
The week began creating handmade cards filled with messages of hope for Village Wish children and their families. IAAPA’s board spouses and Show Ambassadors made more than 100 cards in one afternoon! This project, called “Love Letters,” is part of the Village gift-giving program. Wish families staying at the Village received the special cards during the month of December.
Last year also marked the seventh anniversary of the annual IAAPA/ GKTW golf tournament. Through the dedicated efforts of the event’s committee, this year’s tournament was a true success. After a great day of play, spirited sales of mulligans, and the new tombola raffle, the golf tournament raised more than $45,000 for the Village.
Later in the week, Expo attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the fresh Nevada air while helping Give Kids The World. More than 35 attendees got up early to participate in the third annual 5K Fun Run/1K Walk, which raised $1,000 for GKTW. The run has truly become one of the most fun—and invigorating—events for Give Kids The World during the Attractions Expo!
 Throughout the week, Expo attendees visited Give Kids The World’s booth and entered for the chance to win one of three exciting prizes—a European River Cruise, a SeaWorld Orlando vacation, and business-class airline tickets to anywhere the winner’s heart desired! Congratulations to Steve and Jane Cooper, Stacey McDonald, and Nick Wolaver, the grand prize winners for the week! The Chance to Win raised more than $9,000 for the Village, and we offer a heartfelt thank-you to Uniworld Cruises, American Airlines, and SeaWorld Orlando for the generous donation of the much-sought-after packages.
While the special events and support from the Expo raised funds for GKTW, the increase in awareness and partnership with Expo attendees, including parks and attractions, manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers, is the best part of the week. The World Passport for Kids Program received three new members during the Expo: Andy Alligator’s Fun Park, Lakeside Amusement Park, and Stone Mountain Park.
 Expo exhibitor Environs Inc. proudly displayed a model of the ship it donated—and is currently building— for the Village. Vortex showed attendees photos of the new water play and splash garden in the Park of Dreams. The beautiful gift is already a Village favorite!
“We are so blessed to have IAAPA and its members support Give Kids The World,” said Pamela Landwirth, president of Give Kids The World. “For 15 years we have felt the love and support of this special association, and participating in IAAPA Attractions Expo is something we look forward to each year. Through the help of so many IAAPA members, the Village has continued to grow both in size and reach. We cannot say thank you enough for this amazing partnership.”
The new year will be a milestone for the Village with the completion of the new Park of Dreams pool and waterplay area, the welcoming of our 100,000th family, and the launch of the Ice Cream for Breakfast Day national campaign. Only through the dedication and continued support of IAAPA and its generous members can GKTW continue to bring happiness to children who need it most. Thank you for your partnership—and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Orlando in November.
Susie Storey is communications director for Give Kids The World.
|
