Giving Children Childhood (NAPSA)—Too often, kids with life-threatening illnesses aren’t given the opportunity to be kids. Fortunately, there are organiza- tions with the mission to provide these children with trips to amusement parks for a chance to have fun. Every year, individual amusement parks and attractions across the country raise millions of dol- lars for local and national charitable organizations and non-profits, often working in partnership with school and other groups. These facilities host roller coaster marathons, offer sneak peeks at new rides and attractions, auction VIP—front of the line—passes, have private parties with costumed characters and much more. One of the recipients of this support is the Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. The Village is a non-profit resort that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It provides accommodations for wish-granting organizations’ guests at its whimsical resort and offers attractions tickets and meals for a free week-long fantasy vacation. The children then receive a complimentary World Passport for Kids membership, giving them and their families one day’s free admission to each of the 330 participating parks in 34 countries during the next 12 months. The Village, which has hosted more than 66,000 families during its history, has accommodations for 96 children and their families, Give Kids The World provides magical stays in Central Florida for children with life-threatening illnesses. and plans to expand in the coming years. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (TAAPA) and its members have donated hundreds of thousandsof dollars over the past 10 years, as well as equipment, rides and supplies, and administers the World Passport program. IAAPA members donated $40,000 in cash and relief equipment when three hurricanes battered the Village in the summer of 2004. IAAPAis the largest interna- tional trade association for perma- nently-situated amusement facili- ties worldwide. The organization represents over 5,000 amusement and theme parks, attractions, and suppliers from over 85 countries. To learn more about amuse- ment parks near you, go to www.ticketforfun.com.
