Give Kids the World is a story that began with a simple wish by a little girl and one man’s desire to make that wish come true. The little girl’s name was Amy. Amy had leukemia and her one wish was to visit the theme parks in Orlando. To facilitate Amy’s wish, the request of a complimentary stay was made to a respected hotelier. As he had done many times before, the hotelier gladly obliged and Amy’s wish was that much closer to being realized. Sadly, the remainder of Amy’s travel plans took too long to arrange and her wish was never granted because she died. Time simply ran out.

This unfulfilled wish inspired a man, the hotelier, to make a vow that no child in need would ever be failed again. That man was Henri Landwirth and his desire to ensure that Amy’s story would never repeat itself resulted in the creation of a village that is represented by Give Kids the World.

Today the village is a 70-acre resort complete with more than 140 villa accommodations, entertainment attractions, whimsical venues and fun specifi cally designed for children with special needs. With your help and the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids the World has welcomed more than 115,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. With the support of local communities a memorable magical, no-cost experience can be provided to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

No child in need has ever been turned away — and no child ever will. Give Kids the World is a place where families fi nd joy, laughter, serenity and a lifetime of memories. Through the tireless support of volunteers, employees and generous partners, each and every day is dedicated to these special families.

A child with a life-threatening illness between the ages of 3 and 18, whose one wish is to visit any of Central Florida’s best-loved attractions, may have their dream vacation come true by fi rst being identifi ed by a doctor as a child with a life-threatening illness.

The child is then teamed up with one of more than 250 partnering wish-granting organizations from around the world, who then refer the eligible wish child and their family to GKTW Village.

Once a wish has been approved and recommended by the wish child’s local wish-granting organization, their Give Kids The World wish includes:

• Accommodations on-site in one of 140 villas. • Donated tickets to all three major theme-park resorts (SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World)

• Transportation

• Meals in our Gingerbread House Restaurant and Katie’s Kitchen; and ice cream all day in the Ice Cream Palace

• Many other fun surprises

On Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Candlewood Suites in conjunction with Cape Fear Harley-Davidson is hosting a Charity Ride/Block party. Various levels of sponsorship and participation are available. To support the event, contact Michelle Williams at 868-0873 or send an email to csffsales@gmail.com.