Volunteer day for Give Kids The World

[yaytezIOA]

I'm new to the boards, and dont really know too many people, but would love to. I come from the boards over at IOACentral, if you couldnt figure that out. We were inspired by one of our members who did a 12 hour coaster marathon for the make a wish foundation and raised a lot of money. So in that spirit, we talked to Universal and asked if there was anything that we could do in conjunction with them. They directed us over to the Give Kids The World Village (GKTW). We planned with them a day that we on the boards could get together and meet and do something worth while. It was a great success. If you're not familiar with GKTW, they work with children like the MAW foundation does. Except instead of granting the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses they provide a fun resort for the children to stay at when they visit the Orlando area. Its great, these folks are unbelievable. We over at IOAcentral loved it so much we're doing it again, this time we're helping out with their big event that they are having at the Village. Its on Saturday Jan. 21st from 8:30 a.m. to about 4 p.m. It would be a great opportunity for those of you who would like to meet to come out and do so, and also have a great time helping a great bunch of kids. Also, I would like to meet some of you guys, as well as get together with the big hearts that I already know. It's going to be a lot of fun, if you're interested please shoot me an IM yahoo and AIM screen name yaytez and I'll give you all the details that I have.
Hope to see you all there. Thanks
Erik

 

[yaytezIOA]

Hey guys, if you are a fan of coasterradio you might want to listen tonight, they are supposed to mention our volunteer day on the air. If anyone wants to join up and meet let me know!
you can shoot me an email at yaytez@cs.com

 

[yaytezIOA]

It was a good event, and a good turnout. Loads of fun. And loads of pictures. I'll wait for Preston to post a good trip report, he's better than I am with it. But, here's some pics!

This was the first stop. We had some time to kill, so we decided to look around again, and show the new recruits what makes this place so special.

Part of the amazing train setup

These guys love trains, and it shows

The other amazing train setup

Preston (T-1Million) and myself, chillin out watchin the boats and the trains go by

Preston taming a Kong to rival 76

Yes, we got to ride the awesome train!

A good look at some of the rooms. They really take care of the kids and their families, making them feel right at home.

The new recruits. Amber, Katie and Sara...my sis

 

[yaytezIOA]

more pics

The building that houses some of the coolest playthings, and the ET smell

One of the most awesomely themed carosells(sp?)outside of disney..I think they designed this one actually

father time

concept art of the whole place....very neat stuff

Among the other events going on, they had chinese checkers which Preston was in charge of, and getting whipped at.

These ladies picked up a book, and moments later became expert face painters

the mascots, Mayor Clayton and Miss Mary greeting the kids

Henri Landwirth, founder of GKTW. This guy is super nice. They were filming a documentary about his life today which should hit theaters in March. Mr Landwirth is a holocaust survivor, and started GKTW after a girl passed away before her family could take him up on his offer of a free stay at his central florida hotel. Awesome guy.

Mr. Landwirth posing with a few of the other board members, some of whome were Universal execs.

I was in charge of glue and glitter, and tried to show some love....I failed.

Preston gets it right...okay it was my sis....but he gets the credit.
We will be doing it again soon. It was loads of fun, and hopefully there will be some very embarrassing video of me popping up soon. And hopefully next time, more of you will come and join the fun!