The DIS CON convention event for 2022 was unfortunately canceled due to Hurricane Ian. Information and details as to when the event will be rescheduled will appear here when it is announced.
Night of a Million Lights returned in 2022, but in 2023, the event was presented at Island H2O Water Park.
Children between the ages of 3 and 18 who wish to visit Central Florida’s world-famous attractions may be eligible for a trip to Give Kids The World Village after they are diagnosed with a critical illness.
Eligible children are paired with one of over 250 partnering wish-granting organizations (WGOs) from around the world. WGOs then refer the Wish Child and their family to GKTW Village. Since its founding in 1986, GKTW has hosted Wish Children from all 50 states and over 75 countries.
As part of a family’s weeklong dream vacation, Give Kids The World provides:
Everything is completely free of cost to the family.
The family’s local wish-granting organization provides the family’s airfare, car rental, spending money and any other special needs the child may require such as translators, extra medical considerations, etc.
The story of Give Kids The World begins with a little girl, her wish, and the desire of one man to make that wish come true.
The little girl’s name was Amy. Amy had leukemia and one wish - 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, Amy’s other travel plans took too long to arrange and her wish was never granted; Amy passed away. Time simply ran out.Amy’s story inspired the hotelier, Henri Landwirth, to vow that no child in need would ever be failed again. And so, Give Kids The World was born.
ARTICLE: The Legacy of Mr. Henri Landwirth – How a Survivor Found His Voice
- Since 1986, GKTW has served over 160,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
- With the help of many generous individuals and corporations, including Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort®, SeaWorld Orlando®, Hasbro®, Perkins®, Boston MarketTM and many more, GKTW is able to serve nearly 8,000 families each year.
- Each and every day, dedicated volunteers share their time and talents with the Village. More than 1,800 volunteer shifts are filled each week to help wish families experience their memorable vacation.
- GKTW maintains an administrative rate of just 8.1% – well below the national nonprofit average. GKTW has consistently earned Charity Navigator’s four star rating and was named the most fiscally responsible charity by Worth Magazine and mainstreet.com.
Give Kids the World depends on the generousity of individuals and companies. Consider donating to this amazing organization and remember that no dollar amount is too small. To make donating a breeze, we have set up a fast and easy way for you to make a donation when you text Dreams20 to 44321. You will receive a link that takes you to a donation page and from there, you can donate any dollar amount that you'd like to.
VOLUNTEER!There are almost 1,300 volunteers, Angels in GKTW terminology, needed at the Village every week, year round. The Village not only welcomes locals, but also those who want to serve as a visiting-volunteer, spend time at the Village, and help out for whatever amount of time they can spare. Take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities document to see what types of positions are available.
GKTW only asks a few things in order to help coordinate shifts for visiting-volunteers. First, you need some flexibility with your dates when arranging your visit to GKTW. Contact them ahead of time in order to organize your visit, and make sure you confirm your dates with Volunteer Services at GKTW before making any flight or travel arrangements. Each member of your group or family will need to complete a volunteer application online.
SILENT AUCTIONS!
Watch or listen to the DIS Unplugged for announcements on the silent auctions we hold to benefit Give Kids the World! Our readers and listeners donate fantastic items – some Disney and some not – that you won't want to miss!
