Give Kids the World Village Gala Features Broadway Stars
For the first time ever, Give Kids The World Village will host their Broadway star-studded annual gala under the actual stars that envelop their incredible location in Kissimmee, Florida.
Image Credit: Give Kids the World
Give Kids the World Village is an 89-acre fanciful nonprofit resort. It provides inspiring week-long magical vacations to families with critically ill children at no cost.
Credit: Give Kids The World
Broadway-Caliber Gala Entertainment
Scheduled for Saturday, September 18th, this year’s annual Black & White gala takes guests into the playful and astonishing village.The event is meant to celebrate the enchantment the resort provides to families who need it most.
Image Credit: Give Kids The World
The fundraiser will feature an array of Broadway stars headlining the evening, including Nik Walker. He most recently appeared in “Ain’t Too Proud” after a run in “Hamilton” and original roles in “Motown.”
Image Credit: Nik Walker
“It’s a privilege to support an organization that delivers so much joy to wish families. I can’t think of a better place to bring the magic of Broadway, spend an evening with friends, and celebrate the power of hope,” Walker said in a statement. The Broadway Podcast Network’s “Little Justice” podcast host has long supported the Village.
Broadway alumni Sasha Hutchings, a member of the original casts of “Hamilton” and “Oklahoma,” and Joseph Morales, who most recently played Alexander Hamilton in the Angelica touring cast, join the line-up as well.
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Broadway alum Jen Sese, a member of the Los Angeles cast of “Hamilton” when it opens in August will also perform. Rounding out the night’s entertainment is Robert Sinha, who most recently served as musical director for the “Hamilton” North American Tour-Philip Cast.
Image Credit: Give Kids the World
A Night of Wonder and Fundraising
As always, the brilliant signature event will include gourmet dining and incredible decor to immerse attendees in the magic that is Give Kids The World Village.
Image Credit: Give Kids the World
“Gala is an opportunity for us to pause and say thank you to so many friends, supporters and partners who make it possible for us to continue our 35-year legacy of creating the happiness that inspires hope for wish families,” said Give Kids The World President & CEO Pamela Landwirth in a statement.
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“We look forward to celebrating heartwarming milestones and bittersweet moments while giving guests the chance to immerse themselves in the fun and excitement of the Village,” she added.
Image Credit: Give Kids The World
A live auction, dancing, interactive games, clever ways to explore the attractions of the Village, and a variety of other performers will also entertain patrons of the event. The Village includes a number of attractions straight out of a storybook, including a snoring tree, an Enchanted Carousel, and a pool complete with pirate ship.
Image Credit: Give Kids The World
New to this year’s event, guests can stay in one of the 166 wish family villas on property for one night, if they purchase a premium Gala package. These guests will get to experience the magic of Give Kids the World first-hand, including unlimited sweet ice cream treats at Henri’s Starlite Scoops.
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For donors looking for an even more immersive evening, Premium Plus table experiences will offer a plated dinner served inside the Castle of Miracles, Marc’s DinoPutt, Henri’s Starlite Scoops, and other Village locations.
Image Credit: Give Kids The World
Granting Wishes for 35 Years
Proceeds from the event will be earmarked exclusively for providing experiences to families traveling to the resort. Since opening in 1986, Give Kids the World has provided dream vacations for 176,000 critically ill children and their families.
“When [our daughter] received the wish to go to GKTW and Disney, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but on the last day, I couldn’t stop crying at the thought of leaving such a magical place,” said Erin Scherbinske, whose daughter Coral has a catastrophic form of epilepsy.
Image Credit: Give Kids the World
“GKTW does everything in its power to help relieve families of stress, from volunteers providing extra hands during breakfast to ensuring everything is accessible for their wish children and their families. They gifted our daughter the chance to be a kid for the week and for our family to have the courage to travel again.”
With 15 years of four star ratings from Charity Navigator, Give Kids The World Village welcomes children from all 50 states and 76 countries so far. For more information on the gala, visit their website.
