Contents

Letter from Pam

Expansion Update

Thank You to All of Our Angels

Solivita Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Orientation and Training Dates

Family Letter

2008 Scrapbook

Upcoming Angel Events

Angel Reminders

About Give Kids The World

Letter from Pam

Dear Angels,

When the ball dropped and 2008 was in the history books, you could almost hear a collective sigh of relief; it was certainly a roller coaster ride of highs and lows for everyone.  Yet we are fortunate that through it all our guests inspired us to embrace the present and have hope for a brighter future.

As we look back over the past year Give Kids The World has many reasons to celebrate: welcoming the first families into villas in our new Fairy Tale Forest, the opening of Matthew’s Boundless Playground, and reaching the milestone of serving our 92,000th guest - just to name a few.

Each month we receive countless letters from the families we serve – each sharing something special about their experiences at the Village.  Each experience is different, but the common thread among the letters is the gratitude the families express for the unconditional love and genuine, heartfelt care displayed by our staff and you, our Volunteer Angels.  You are the ones that make the difference for our families day in and day out, sharing your time, talents, and heart just to see a smile on a face where there have been far too many tears.   Whether it is greeting our guests at the airport, serving meals in the Gingerbread House, or volunteering in our nightly entertainment events, there is no part of our guests’ experiences that is not touched by your caring spirit.

One thing we know 2009 holds in store is growth, from the size of the Village to the number of guests we will welcome to the number of volunteer shifts that will need to be filled.  With growth comes challenges big and small; but through them all we pledge to remained focus on our mission and put the family experience first – we owe that to the precious children who entrust us with making their one wish come true.

In the next couple of weeks I will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings for our Volunteer Angels.  As most of you know, Town Hall meetings provide an opportunity to share current Village news, answer questions, dispel or confirm rumors, and solicit ideas for improvement.  I hope to see you there! 

Best wishes for a new year filled with the blessings of love and hope you share with our special guests.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do.

With Love,

Pamela Landwirth
President

 

Fairy Tale Forest Update:
On October 1, the Village officially opened the doors of fourteen Villas in the Fairy Tale Forest. Overlooking a serene pond and Matthew’s Boundless Playground, the enchanting “Castles and Cottages” allow our special guests to enjoy all the comforts of home while experiencing their Wish come true. The next phase of the Fairy Tale Forest is scheduled for completion later this year. The whimsical Villas will be home to over 1,900 families a year.

Pool Update:
With the capability of housing more families onsite than ever, GKTW is pleased to announce construction has begun on a new pool and recreation area. The new area will allow children of all abilities to enjoy a beach-style, zero-depth entry pool, interact with several of the original Wacky Water Works elements, and frolic in a “water-garden” filled with sprays, splashes, and lots of fun!

Fun Pool Facts

• Together, the pool and splash pad will accommodate 181 friendly faces.
• The area of development will total 53,589 square feet.
• The pool will hold 83,787 gallons of water.
• The splash pad will hold 7,480 gallons of water.

*Please Note: Because of the pool construction, fishing and the Sparkleberry Nature Trail are closed until further notice.

Coming Soon! Katie’s Kitchen by Boston Market
Give Kids The World is proud to announce a partnership with Boston Market. Commencing with a grand opening on February 4, 2009, the Village will be home to a brand new dining facility operated by Boston Market staff and Village Volunteers. Katie’s Kitchen will provide wholesome, great-tasting Boston Market favorites for lunch and dinner, cost-free for Wish families. Centrally located on the Avenue of Angels next to the Ice Cream Palace, Katie’s Kitchen will offer a wide variety of meal options, patio dining, pick-up and delivery services. Volunteers will be needed to assist during both lunch and dinner shifts. Please contact Volunteer Services at (407) 396-0770 to learn how you can help at this exciting new venue!

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Thank you from all of us here at the Village for filling shifts during the busiest time of year!  This holiday season we welcomed 173 families one week, more than we have ever had before! We could not possibly have done it without your assistance. Besides our record breaking number of families we also have had many special events. Thank you to all who helped with these events including Decorate-a-Villa, the Village Halloween Party, the Kids Club Holiday Party, IAAPA 5k Fun Run, the Village Holiday Party, Village holiday decorating (venues and light installation), and your help with the Caudwell Children's Charities family arrivals/departures. We literally could not do it without you!

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Solivita Volunteers Host Fundraiser and
Raise Over $20,000 for the Village

 

This October, residents of Solivita, an active adult golf and retirement community located in the Orlando area, held an auction to benefit Give Kids The World. On the evening of October 12, a group of Give Kids The World Angels put on a silent and live auction for over 300 guests. 120 silent auction items and 20 live auction items ranging from autographed memorabilia and professional artwork created by Solivita residents to fabulous vacation getaways and a new electric golf cart were auctioned off by local celebrity and News Channel 13 anchor Christine Webb. This fun-filled evening raised an amazing $20,846 for Give Kids The World and included a live string quartet, coffee and desserts and even an appearance by Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry! A special thanks to the event committee comprised of GKTW Angels and Solivita residents, particularly the chair people of the committee, Howard Raff and Nan Johnston.

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Volunteer Opportunities

 

Volunteer Orientation Dates:

Saturday, January 17 from 2-5 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 from 2-5 p.m.

Friday, February 6 from 2-5 p.m.
Sunday, February 15 from 3-6 p.m.
Saturday, February 28 from 2-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11 from 3-6 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 from 2-5 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 from 2-5 p.m.

Digital Photography Training Dates:
Media Center coordinator conducts training sessions as needed. Contact TJ Gibson at 407-396-1114 ext. 4292 for more information.

Character Training Dates:
Contact Joan Smart at 407-396-5323 to sign up for character training.

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Dear Ms. Landwirth & staff,

 I want to write and express my utmost respect and gratitude to you for the wonderful visit our family enjoyed at your Village this past summer.  We visited the last week in July and it was a cherished experience we will never forget.

 Our daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor and her wish was to visit Disney World with her family.  You can probably imagine how low our mood was when we were struggling to put a trip together.  It was an answer to our prayers when all the arrangements were made for us to travel to Florida and to stay with you for a week.

 Katie had a lovely time.  She romped carefree on your campus, marveled at the beautiful houses, held court in her very own house, took a bath in a tub that was suited to her needs, and lounged in your beautiful pool.  Your staff and volunteers were warm, cordial, and ready to spoil Katie and her sisters.  She was happy to eat as much bacon as she wanted at breakfast and had third helpings in your ice cream parlor.  I can't imagine a better time.

 As her father, it warmed my heart to see her smile in spite of all the suffering.  We were so grateful to have a brief time to forget the nightmare we were living.  The Village became a sanctuary from the needles, pills, and radiation masks.  For one week we were a normal family, living life to its fullest. For one week we felt free to laugh and embrace and build those last few precious memories.  You can't put a price on that.

 Katie ended her fight with cancer on August 9, 2005, only a few weeks after her trip.  She passed peacefully in her sleep.  We miss her terribly, of course.  But we will forever be grateful that her last days were spent being happy and doing what every child should be doing: playing with her family with no care for tomorrow.

 Please know that from one grateful father that your work is of the highest importance and that you minister to families in ways that no one else can.

 God bless every one of you for your tireless work.  Like the stars on the ceiling of your Enchanted Castle, an army of children smile down from heaven in gratitude for your kindness.  And Katie is right there with them.

Katie's Father
Columbia, South Carolina

*Our new dining facility, Katie’s Kitchen, sponsored by Boston Market, is named after Katie.

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2008 Scrapbook

Give Kids The World Veterans’ Day Event Photo

Our Angels who served in the United States Army.

Clyde Baker is caught giving Ms. Merry a smooch at Fantasy of Flight.

Decorate-A-Villa: Universal Orlando employees brighten the holidays for a family staying in a villa.

Disney VoluntEARS are busy lending a helping hand in the Gingerbread House!

Snow Angel Karen Bryan enjoys her carousel duties with Beth Whitmire.

Arthur Murray Dance Marathon
to benefit Give Kids The World
Friday, February 6, 2009
7-9 p.m.

If you love to dance, this event is for you! Kick up your heels to energy music or slow dance to romantic waltzes at this year’s inaugural Arthur Murray Dance Marathon to benefit Give Kids The World. Two hours of dancing, refreshments, prizes and more await you.

Simply collect pledges of support to benefit the Village, bring them with you to the event, and get ready to strut your stuff at the hottest dance party of the year. Collect $50 or more per person, or $100 per couple, and receive two free dance lessons at participating Arthur Murray locations.

For a list of participating locations, visit our events page..

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Angel Reminders

 

Volunteer Services is available daily from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. We can be reached at our direct phone line at 407-396-0770, or you can stop by the Caring Center for a visit!

If you currently volunteer with a group, but you are also interested in volunteering on an individual basis, please call Volunteer Services to sign up for a Volunteer Orientation Session.

Don’t forget your meal ticket when visiting the Gingerbread House (GBH) or Ice Cream Palace (ICP). Each Angel receives one meal ticket per shift and has the option of a meal in the GBH or lunch in the ICP.

Have you changed your e-mail address, phone number, or mailing address? Please update your information with Volunteer Services, or email us at volunteer@gktw.org.

How to Help Today
Volunteer Your Time
Visit Our Store
Buy a Paving Stone
Donate

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About Give Kids The World

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 93,000 families from all 50 states and over 65 countries.

For more information about Give Kids The World, visit www.gktw.org.

Keep in touch and read all that's new for our current Angels
by clicking here.

To find out how you can help create memories and hope for children with life-threatening illnesses, please visit our How to Help Section

To receive the next edition of our online newsletter and GKTW News, please visit our subscription page.

We love feedback! Let us know what you think of our newsletter.
Drop us a line at SarahJ@gktw.org.

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