Do you like Chick-fil-A … and love what Give Kids the World does for families locally?
Now is your chance to help out Give Kids the World by using your Chick-Fil-A app, as the Village has been selected a finalist in the True Inspiration Awards.
This annual program, created by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, provides grants to nonprofit organizations that are working to strengthen communities. In 2024, Chickfil A has awarded 51 grants ranging between $30,000 and $350,000—totaling $5.48 million—to organizations that work in the areas of Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for our Communities, or Caring for our Planet.
The idea for Give Kids the World started in 1986 with a little girl named Amy, who had leukemia. Amy’s wish was to visit Orlando’s theme parks, and local hotelier Henri Landwirth gladly arranged a complimentary hotel stay for Amy and her family. Sadly, before the rest of the trip arrangements could be made, Amy passed away. Landwirth was determined to provide a place where special families like Amy’s could come in Central Florida within 24 hours, if needed.
Born in Belgium in 1927, Landwirth himself had missed out on a large part of his own childhood. He and his family were separated during World War II, and Landwirth spent his teenage years in concentration camps, including Auschwitz.
“In many cases, I see myself in these children’s faces,” he once said. “Because when I was 13, I was a Holocaust victim. I had no idea that I would be living. These children have no idea, in many cases. I have experienced that myself.”
After the war, Landwirth came to America and served in the Army, later using his GI Bill to study hotel management. So began his career in the hotel industry, which later led to the creation of Give Kids the World. For the last 38 years, Give Kids the World has welcomed more than 193,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries to its 89-acre Kissimmee resort. Families of critically ill children spend a week cost-free at the resort. It is a time they can get away from doctors and hospitals and all that entails and just enjoy being together and making memories … and helping themselves to all-you-can-eat ice cream.
Every child whose wish is fulfilled by Give Kids The World and his or her family receive an all-inclusive stay including transportation; accommodations; donated theme park tickets; all meals and snacks; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and unique interactive experiences at the village.
To help Give Kids the World win the True Inspiration Award, vote before September 30 on the Chick-fil-A app: Download the Chick-fil-A app.
Create a Chick-fil-A One account.
Select the For You button on the bottom right.
Scroll to find the True Inspiration Awards!
Select the Vote button. Tap the Southeast Region. Scroll to find Give Kids The World.
Vote for Give Kids the World - one vote per account
