Henri’s Starlite Scoops Begins Construction Today!
Ariel’s undersea adventure wasn’t the only Disney debut in 1989 that would make lasting waves. In the wake of The Little Mermaid’s box office success, Disney’s MGM Studios opened on the heels of Disney’s most successful animated film release in decades.
1989 saw the start of many lasting aspects of The Walt Disney Company, and the opening of the affiliated Give Kids the World Village is certainly one of them. MickeyBlog is proud to shine a light on this incredible organization and provide you with an exciting update straight form the Village: they’re getting a brand-new ice cream parlor – Henri’s Starlite Scoops!
Give Kids the World
Founded in 1989, Give Kids the World is a nonprofit organization where critically ill children and there families can spend a full week immersed in a whimsically colorful village setting in the heart of Central Florida- where magic comes alive.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Village, and my experience talking with the families and volunteers left such a profound impact on me, that I just had to share a little of what I learned with the MickeyBlog community.
On the Thursday of my visit, I spoke with a wonderful volunteer who explained why Christmas decorations were sprinkled throughout the Village at the end of January. She went on to tell me that every Thursday is Christmas (complete with decorations, carved turkey dinner, and weekly visits from Santa) and every Tuesday is Halloween (trick-or-treating for all!).
She also explained that she is a part of a volunteer team of Disney Corporate that volunteers once a month at the Village. Believe it or not (because I couldn’t!), the Village is 80% operated by volunteers! Thanks to the big-hearted devotion from the volunteers, the Village is responsible for providing housing, complimentary tickets, and a full weeks’ worth of magic to nearly 8,000 families every single year!
Henri’s Starlite Scoops
If you’ve never visited the Village, it feels like you’re in a world created by a collaboration of Dr. Seuss, Walt Disney, and Stan Lee. Oversized ornaments perfectly placed throughout the Village set the scene, but the volunteers, working carousel and ice cream are what keep the guests full and happy!
Speaking of ice cream, Give Kids the World has just announced the closure of the longstanding Ice Cream Palace. In the Palace’s last day in operation, President and CEO Pamela Landwirth was on hand to serve perfectly rounded scoops and handmade banana splits! Opening new locations like Henri’s is part of Give Kids the World’s mission, but they can’t do it without our help.
How You Can Help
For most of us, thoughts of critically ill children undergoing 24 hour medical care in a tiny hospital bed are far-off and unrelatable. And we’re extremely lucky. Despite the hardships the tiny children I had the chance to talk with face daily, spirits could not have been brighter when I visited the Village. Give Kids the World is a nonprofit Resort, and your contributions are heavily depended on the success of the Village.
They vow to never turn away any child’s wish, no matter how short the notice, and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces prove the following: Give Kids the World is allowing these children to be removed from a hospital and be happy for one full week.
Your donations will ensure more families can have the same experience as the children I met! Check out the Give Kids the World website here for more information and how you can donate!
Ready to take your favorite Disney content wherever you go? Check out The Making Magic Podcast, covering all things Disney, hosted by myself and Greg Antonelle by clicking here, or over on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/making-magic/id1449862561?mt=2&i=1000427864780
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