Give Kids the World: Inspiring Happiness & Hope – 1 Wish At A Time
Even if you stripped Thanksgiving of a hearty meal, a family reunion, and football games, there would still be so much to celebrate. It’s a day set aside for giving thanks for what we do have, even if it’s as simple as the breath in our lungs and the world around us. President George Washington, who first instituted the holiday on a national scale, intended it as a day for “acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God.”1
One of the best ways to give thanks is to give back, and we believe one of the best ways to give back is to support organizations like Give Kids the World.
An upstanding and truly powerful charity, Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, Florida, provides families whose children have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses the chance to escape bleak hospital hallways and financial worries – at least for a little while – and enjoy a sunny, cost-free, week-long vacation in a medically appropriate environment.
However, what Give Kids the World is really granting families is the opportunity to see their children smile, laugh, and experience childhood as it should be: happy and carefree. For “wish families,” this amazing week is about making memories that will help carry them through the days ahead.
Founded From The Heart
Give Kids the World was founded by a man who had every right to be bitter and turn his back on the world but instead gave everything he had to make it a better, brighter place.
Henri Landwirth, a Jewish man born in 1927 in Belgium, was arrested and sent to a Nazi death and labor camp when he was only 13 years old. He was separated from his parents, who would both perish during the course of the infamous Holocaust.
For five tortuous years, Henri remained in concentration camps – including the horrific Auschwitz – where he was abused, scared, and certain of his imminent death.
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“Auschwitz was my first realization that the camps were there for our extermination…I knew it would be a matter of time, and I would be murdered like the rest,” he later recalled.2
But miraculously, Henri survived.
“I promised myself that one day, God willing, I would be able to help other people not to suffer as much as I did,” Henri said.3
And it was a promise he fulfilled tenfold.
After the war, Henri forged a 50-year career for himself in the hotel industry, climbing the ranks from bellman to owner. Eventually, he found himself in Central Florida and began offering free rooms to assist the newly-created Make-A-Wish Foundation.
One child named Amy wished to visit Orlando’s theme parks. Henri unhesitatingly made complimentary arrangements at his hotel, but Amy tragically passed away before her other travel arrangements could be made. Henri was brokenhearted.
It was then that the hotelier made another promise – that no child in need would ever be failed again.4
Give Kids the World was created to keep that promise and make wishes come true for those who are in the most desperate need of a miracle.
Give Kids the World: Making Magical Memories for Those Who Need Them Most
When families (from all 50 states and around the world!) sign up for their Central Florida “wish trip,” their vacation is perfectly planned by Give Kids the World.
During the day, families visit the Sunshine State’s incredible attractions and theme parks. Then, in the evening, they return to the Village, a space that has been especially crafted just for them.5
Spanning 89 acres, the Give Kids the World Village is a vibrant, beautiful, fantasy-inspired theme park resort where the answer is always “YES!” (For example, ice cream for breakfast? YES!)
From favorite rides like the Enchanted Carousel to the cool, blue waters of the gigantic swimming pool, the Village’s attractions are entirely wheelchair accessible. Give Kids the World has made sure physical limitations never stand in the way of having fun.
Horseback rides give children the chance to be cowboys and cowgirls for the day, and there’s even a fishing hole that lets everyone get a good look at the wildlife and bask in Florida’s natural wonders. Give Kids the World knows that sometimes the best medicine for one’s spirit is simply sunshine on their shoulders.
But the food is also good!
The Village has plenty of wonderful options like Noah’s Nook and Katie’s Kitchen, but the most popular has to be Henri’s Starlite Scoops – the place where you can get that breakfast ice cream!!
The Village also offers nightly shows and entertainment, as well as special character meet and greets, with characters from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios visiting Give Kids the World throughout the week. The Village’s own mascots, two adorable bunny characters named Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry, will tuck children into bed when it’s time to go to sleep.
(Photo: imgorthand from Getty Images Signature via Canva)
Everything about a wish trip with Give Kids the World is tailored to rejuvenate and re-inspire critically ill children and their Give Kids the World families, helping them recapture both happiness and hope. “In a very real sense, the Village offers the gift of time – time away from the burdens of everyday life and time to rediscover the joy of simply being together.”6 These simple joyous memories for deserving children and their families become more valued than all the wealthy treasures of the world.
Giving Thanks with Give Kids the World
This Thanksgiving, if you are able to and feel so led, you can help Henri’s wish – never to fail a child in need – come true.
You can make a donation, volunteer if you live in the area, or plan to attend Give Kids the World events whenever you visit the Sunshine State!
The newest and biggest event everyone should consider attending is Night of a Million Lights!
Open from November 12th through January 2nd, you can stroll through a wonderland that’s glittering from top to bottom with twinkling Christmas lights. As you make your way through the fairytale Village, enjoy holiday music, treats, and a dazzling light show!
USA Today has called this the “Number One Thing To Do In December In Orlando,” and here at MouseEars TV, we absolutely agree!
Proceeds from tickets go directly toward Give Kids the World’s noble mission.
What could be better than enjoying a truly amazing evening with such a wonderful purpose??
While Give Kids the World can’t change a diagnosis, it can change a family’s outlook, offering them happiness that inspires hope, a light during dark days, and smiles in the face of sadness. Give Kids the World allows children to reclaim a childhood that disease has stolen from them. Give Kids the World returns some of the humanity, dignity, and quality of life that is lost with prolonged or terminal hospital stays. It fosters priceless memories to be treasured in the hearts of everyone who embarks on a wish trip.
Give Kids the World can’t change a diagnosis, but they can make dreams come true.
This charity is near and dear to us at MouseEars TV, and it’s our privilege to highlight it on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
I’ll let Henri close us out in his own words:
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Henri Landwirth
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
This article is dedicated to the loving memory of Jennifer Rechelle Clark, Nov. 1, 1976 – Jan 16, 1980, “Born on Earth to Bloom in Heaven.”
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Featured photo: FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva
