Amusement industry raised $40,000 for hurricane-battered charity

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

[Ed. note: Press release follows.]

Amusement industry leaders raised $40,000 to benefit the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida last week during an impromptu fundraiser organized by Gary Story, chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Although no big-ticket fundraiser was scheduled, Story asked attendees at the IAAPA Summer Meeting in Rust, Germany to donate $1,000 each to participate in a group photograph. The proceeds will go to Give Kids the World, an organization that fulfills the wishes of terminally ill children and their families by providing, for each “wish” family, a week of cost-free fun at the Give Kids the World Village­an enchanting destination that features amusement rides, round-the-clock ice cream, costumed characters, and day-trips to theme parks.

The Give Kids the World Village recently completed an expensive clean up following Hurricanes Charley and Frances, which dumped 5,000 cubic yards of debris on the property and caused minor structural damage.

“We are pleased to support Give Kids the World and we are always looking for new ways that our industry can assist in providing positive experiences for ill children,” said Story.

IAAPA has worked to raise funds and provide support for Give Kids the World since 1994. Recently, IAAPA manufacturer and supplier members provided materials and equipment to help the Village clean up after Hurricanes Charley and Frances.

The IAAPA Orlando 2004 Annual Convention & Trade Show in November­the amusement industry’s largest worldwide gathering, which attracts 30,000 attendees--features a charity golf tournament benefiting Give Kids the World.

“We are grateful for everything IAAPA and its members do for Give Kids the World, and we appreciate these recent donations from the bottom of our hearts,” said Pamela Landwirth, Give Kids the World president and CEO.