Give Kids the World celebrates 25 years of helping children with life-threatening illnesses

Give Kids the World recently celebrated its 25^th Anniversary with a carnival celebration, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil two new additions to the Village: the Star Tower and Gallery of Hope. Over the past 25 years, Give Kids the World has granted the wishes of over 100,000 children from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Founder Henri Landwirth and GKtW President Pam Landwirth were present for the event, as well as current and former Village guests.

The Give Kids the World Village, located in Kissimmee and run mostly by volunteers, is a 70-acre fantasyland that offers accommodations for the children and their families, along with a week’s worth of free meals (including all the ice cream the kids can eat), donated attraction tickets, and endless activities and entertainment for both the children and their parents.

The Star Tower was added to help accommodate one of the “magical moments” experienced by children at the Village: the opportunity to visit the Enchanted Castle and write their name on a gold star that will be placed in the Castle Sky by the Star Fairy. However, with over 80,000 stars already in the Castle Sky, the Star Tower was a necessary addition to house all of the future stars.

The Gallery of Hope will serve as a tribute to those who have made the Give Kids the World Village a possibility: the founder, corporate sponsors that include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld Parks and individual donors. The Gallery will also serve as a visitor’s center, offering heartfelt stories from wish children, their families, and volunteers.

Episode 25 of Orlando Attractions Magazine – The Show features the Star Tower & Gallery of Hope ceremony:

For more information about the Give Kids the World Village and to apply to be a volunteer, visit their website.