timberskara Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 (edited) I've been meaning to share with you all an in-depth look at the wonderful nonprofit we all know and love-- and also the magical place I work for-- for some time now. I may be guilty of holding off for the past couple of months because I knew this awesome opportunity was in the works, but now the time has come and I need your help! Starting today, GKTW is up for a $250,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Program. The winners are based solely on online voting. For the $250,000 range, the top two refresh ideas will each receive grant money! If you could help spread the word to vote once a day, every day in June I would really appreciate it. Click here to register before voting. Here's how to vote: 1) Visit www.refresheverything.com/givekidstheworld and click the "Vote for this idea" button. 2) A pop up window will appear where you will enter your information and sign in. 3) After signing in, you will be taken back to the Give Kids The World page. Click "Vote for this idea" to submit your vote. 4) Tell your friends, family and colleagues to "Vote 2 Refresh" GKTW. 5) Repeat once a day, every day until June 30. For those of you not familiar, Give Kids The World Village is a magical 70-acre, nonprofit resort in Central Florida. We work with over 250 Wish Granting Organizations around the world to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions and to enjoy the magic of GKTW Village. If you would like to read about my personal experience as an employee or donate via online giving, please visit my fundraising page. Now, on to the tour! Photos taken and sized by the lovely and talented Steve Nuss. Welcome to GKTW! The "House of Hearts" Welcome Center where families begin their stay with us by checking-in and receiving lots of cool stuff! The front desk, staffed 24 hours a day I LOVE the clouds and lighting in the HOH-- it definitely sets the tone for the magical week ahead for the families After check-in, the families are escorted to their villa. The Wish Child's last name is displayed on this sign, proclaiming it as their own personal home for the week. The Village's loveable mascot, Mayor Clayton, welcomes the families home Outside each villa is a set of rocking chairs for the families to relax and enjoy the lovely FL weather! Inside one of the "Phase 2" Villas. The living room has a fold-out couch. All meals are provided throughout their stay, but the full-sized kitchen is also stocked with goodies A gift bag awaits the families when they first arrive. Our gift-giving volunteers also sneak into the villas each day and bring even more presents to all of the family members (not just the Wish Child) At GKTW the roles are reversed and the kids' bathroom is the large one...oftentimes leaving the parents to "ask permission" to use the awesome tub! The kids' bathroom also features a roll-in shower... ...as well as a wheelchair accessible sink and vanity The kids' room has two beds, as well as a roll-out bed and crib to be used as needed The parents' room has a king size bed The "Fairytale Forest" section of the Village-- these villas were built in 2009 and feature some really colorful designs! Along with the Fairytale Forest expansion came Matthew's Boundless Playground The entire play area is wheelchair accessible so that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy it; MBP is also home to the World's Largest CANDY LAND game, which is played every Sunday evening Volunteers staff this cart which can be called to your villa for curbside continental breakfast and also functions as the "Cookie Cart" in the afternoons The Gingerbread House Restaurant serves hot breakfast in the morning and a yummy dinner at night Perkins is the supplier of most of this food-- so always drop money in the coinboxes at their restaurants The GBH is home to thousands of dolls and favorite toys left by the families. It also has child-size seating and tables made with real peppermint candies. Ol' Elmer, a large, snoring tree, adds a touch of whimsy to the Village The Park of Dreams pool and water play area was completed this past March The new pool is a favorite among parents and children The pool features a zero-depth entry so that children can transfer into the specially-designed water wheelchairs and have fun splashing around The interactive water garden is also wheelchair accessible The "Serendipity" ship not only adds fun to the area, but also functions as a stage for some of the Village's nightly entertainment The Castle of Miracles is my favorite Village Venue, featuring a wheelchair accessible carousel More of the Castle's exterior What castle would be complete without a large, squeaky wooden door and a knight in shining armor welcoming you? The castle sky is filled with stars featuring the names of each of our very special Wish Children who have stayed with us. Only the Wish Child gets to customize a star. They leave it for the Star Fairy to place up into the sky, where it will shine brightly forever. It's truly overwhelming how many stars we have! The Castle is also home to the La-Ti-Da Spa, sponsored by Hasbro The adorable "waiting area" where girls can decide to get their makeup or nails done and boys can pick out a cool airbrush tattoo The Ice Cream Palace serves ice cream & milkshakes all day long-- even for breakfast! Families can also pick up an "Express Start" breakfast sponsored by IHG/Holiday Inn hotels before heading off to the parks each morning Katie's Kitchen is sponsored by Boston Market and features delicious meals for lunch and dinner. Families can either pick up their order at the window, or have it delivered to their villa The non-denominational chapel is another personal favorite of mine Inside the chapel, home to weddings of volunteers, staff and former Wish Children! The chapel is always stocked with journals where visiting families write their thoughts and prayers-- one flip through the pages can turn any bad day around Amberville Train Station is full of fun and games Marc's Dino Putt is a 7-hole, wheelchair accessible course sponsored by Universal Each hole is interactive, with all sorts of suprises...here the dinosaurs spit water at you My favorite (and the most challenging) hole, inside the volcano! This guy was a prop used by Universal for the movie This friendly t-rex pops out of the bushes on the last hole Obligatory giraffe photo A large model train set features low-to-the-ground buttons where kids can trigger the action A close-up of the train set I can't go in Amberville without pushing the Yeti button Remote controlled boats are also a highlight. Not pictured is the kiddie train that circles the station (it's not a credit ). Looking down the "Avenue of Angels" from Amberville; this walkway is where most of the venues are and is filled with pavers featuring the names of donors, Wish Children, etc. Julie's Safari Theatre...lots of Village Entertainment takes place in this theatre with a fully accessible stage and complimentary concession stand Miss Pitty Pat's Garden of Hope is a roll/walk through garden area featuring plants that stimulate the 5 senses. Mayor Clayton's house is also here...and if you're short enough you can go inside for some air conditioned comfort More of the Avenue, this time looking from the Ice Cream Palace down towards Amberville/House of Hearts We have two of these trash cans, popular with the TPR crowd They were donated by de Efteling More villas, 142 in total There is just so much to say about GKTW, this doesn't even cover it. It truly is a vacation of a lifetime for these much-deserving families...a time where they can laugh and be together as a family for the first time in a long time and not worry about hospitals and medical bills. I know GKTW is an organization most enthusiasts have heard of, but I wanted to try and show what it is truly about. If you have any questions about the Village, volunteering, donating or the Pepsi Refresh contest, feel free to comment here or send me a PM. Thanks for reading and voting! Edited June 21, 2010 by timberskara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 AWESOME REPORT! I'll do what I can to help, as this is my favorite charity out there....and has been for many years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Awesome! I'll do my best to help out! Thanks a lot for the report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
printersdevil78 Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 I've heard about GKTW for a long time, but I never imagined it was anywhere near this extensive. You've got my vote! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Fortunately or unfortunately, I've had a friend whose family benefitted from GKTW. It's a great organization and got my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emiroo Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Amazing PTR. Before this, I only knew of this org in name and generic concept. I mean wow. Just amazing. I cannot imagine the joy the kids and families have going there. It must be a wonderful place to work as well. Voted and will do so everyday until the end. C'mon TPR, lets knock this one out of the park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timberskara Posted June 2, 2010 Author Share Posted June 2, 2010 Thank you for the support, guys. We're currently in 16th place so we could really use some more votes! After you vote, be sure to check out some of the comments on our Refresh page...truly awesome stuff! What an incredibly magical place. I think while we were there we completely forgot why we got to go. For a week there was no cancer! The volunteers are simply amazing people who deeply care. I pray this site wins because then the children win! One of the "vintage" bathrooms that needs updating Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 C'mon TPR, lets knock this one out of the park! I agree. C'mon, TPR. We've helped others win contests in the past* , and there's no reason we can't do it again for an excellent cause! Please, take a moment from bitching and moaning about theming and restraints, register for free, vote, and help some kids out who aren't as fortunate as you! * (and less appreciative, I might add) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emiroo Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 ^ For real. If we can manage to put Eagle's Fortress at the top of Mitch's Poll, but can't (or won't) use our strength to accomplish something that actually matters I will be very disappointed in us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro_Gaga Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 You have my vote This is amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 ^ For real. If we can manage to put Eagle's Fortress at the top of Mitch's Poll, but can't (or won't) use our strength to accomplish something that actually matters I will be very disappointed in us. Seriously! People argue non-stop about crap that doesn't even matter, or pull together for stuff that really doesn't make a difference! It is just coasters and amusement parks people! This is real life stuff here! Help out! You have my vote This is amazing. You mean votes! Vote every single day of June! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goetz20 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Voted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsterfan99 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Got my fiancee's and my vote for the rest of the month. GKTW is amazing and deserves any help they can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coaster_dude2002 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 I had never heard about GKTW, but it looks like a great organization and definitely gets my vote! Shared it with Facebook as well, hopefully it will bring in a few more votes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigstevet07 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 My wife's cousin stayed there in 2005. She couldn't quit raving about how awesome this place is. You have our votes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socalMAN123 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Voting and getting my whole family to do the same! One of my favorite charities, you guys do some of the best work possible! ---Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeyIsntThatRob? Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 You're a hot female enthusiast so voted for it --Formerly rwilli82 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 That place looks awesome, what a cool orginization. you've got my vote. The Miniature Golf is the coolest thing ever! Come on TPR! I will facebook this later, hopefully that will get some interest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hercules Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Bump! Vote! You're a hot female enthusiast so voted for it --Formerly rwilli82 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 ^ Eh, at least his counts as another vote. But still.... Another vote from us today as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beyondthepalace Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 GKTW Village is an amazing place. My team and I got the chance to do some volunteer landscaping work after Hurricane Charley went through. I was blown away at the amazing opportunities the kids and the families have here. Besides the Dino-Putt (who knew one of the Trikes was moved here!) Universal also puts on a non-scary haunted house here during Halloween. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timberskara Posted June 3, 2010 Author Share Posted June 3, 2010 Wow, thank you all SO much! It makes me smile to see all of this support . Bump! Vote! You're a hot female enthusiast so voted for it --Formerly rwilli82 Haha, don't worry about this. Rob's an old (and very sarcastic) friend of mine. While he is a bit of a creepster sometimes, he was just doing this for laughs...I was at his and his wife Cindy's wedding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moinab Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Took Scott's lead, and posted on facebook, so all my Disney message board friends and all my nurse friends will see it and vote, too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holyblakbelt Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 (edited) My sister and my niece went to GKTW last year and I think they enjoyed it. Seems like a good place to go to for kids with disabilities. Good TR. Edited June 3, 2010 by holyblakbelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazydaveh Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Keep up the great work. You got my vote. Hopefully everyone on TPR will help you get the $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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