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On Sunday, Nov. 14 150 attractions industry professionals raised $58, 000 for Give Kids The World (GKTW) by participating in the eighth annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.
The tournament, which sold out in mid-October, allowed participants to network, socialize, and enjoy a round of golf to benefit GKTW, a charity organization that creates dreamlike vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses. The event was the first of five GKTW fundraising events to take place during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010, the largest conference and trade show for the worldwide attractions industry.
Placing in first was the foursome comprised of Andrew Callies, Christian Vozza, Giorgio Vozza, and Tyson Vozza with Congo River Golf in Traverse City, Mich. Second place was the group from Ripley’s Entertainment in Orlando, Fla.: John Corcoran, Scott Line, Jim Pattison Jr., and Billy Roosa.
Players from Germany, Lichtenstein, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Canada, and the United States participated.
“The Village has sold itself to this industry—everybody knows about it and feels good about it, ” said John Graff, the tournament’s co-chairman. “This is just one of the many ways we support it.”
“Today is the perfect way to start the week. Players engage in friendly competition and network, all while supporting a great cause, ” said Charlie Bray, president and CEO of IAAPA. “IAAPA is proud to support Give Kids The World and their efforts to bring joy into the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”
“Each year we look forward to the Annual IAAPA/Give Kids The World Golf Tournament, ” said GKTW President Pamela Landwirth. “Our dearest friends from the entire amusement industry come together and raise an incredible amount of money for the precious children we serve. We just can’t say thank you enough.”
IAAPA has partnered with GKTW for more than 15 years to raise donations and coordinate amusement park and attraction visits for children with life-threatening illnesses. The golf tournament, 5K Fun Run and 1K Walk, car raffle, and other events held in conjunction with IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010, have been established so the attractions industry can make significant financial contributions to the Village.
Leisure Labs LLC was the Gold Sponsor for the tournament. Allied Specialty Insurance, Inc. was a Silver Sponsor and Ride Entertainment Group was a Bronze Sponsor. The following companies and individuals also sponsored aspects of the tournament, or provided in-kind donations: Apple Industries, Astrid Lindgrens World, Avius Experience, Bloody Mary, Inc., Bob and Phai Masterson, Bob Rippy, Bob Rittereiser, Bob’s Space Racers, Inc., Canobie Lake Park, Cedar Fair, Colorvision International, Inc., Coney Island Park, Deltronic Labs, DNC Parks and Resorts, Dollywood, E.K. Fernandez Shows, Inc., Enchanted Kingdom, Europa-Park, 5centride.com, Forrec, Ltd., Freeman, Gary Story, Gateway Ticketing Systems, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, G.J.C. Products Inc., GKTW, Glynn Geotechnical Engineering, Gold Medal, Good Stuff / Win Stuff, LLC, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance , Haystack Dryers, Ltd., Herschend Family Entertainment, Hersheypark, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, INTAMIN / RIDE TRADE, Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum, Jack Rouse Associates, John Collins, Kay and John Graff, Kennedy Space Center, Kennywood, Knoebels Amusement Park, Liseberg, Lo-Q plc, Mack Rides, Morey’s Piers, Namco Cybertainment, Inc., Nanco, Nashville Shores, National Ticket Company, Naughton Insurance, Neptune Benson, New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA), New Jersey Amusement Association, OmniTicket Network, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), Parques Reunidos / Palace Entertainment, Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association (PAPA), Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc., Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus, P.T. Funworld Prima, Ring*BINGO AB, Sacoa Playcard System, SALLY Corporation, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Seabreeze Amusement Park, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove Shepard Exposition Services, Showmen’s League of America (SLA), Syndicate UAE FZC, Technifex, The Bray Family, Tisha and Angus Jenkins, TRAC India – In Pursuit of Educative Entertainment, Travel Planners, Triotech Amusement, Inc., Universal Studios Florida, Waldameer Water World, Water Safety Products, Inc., West Midland Safari Park, Whitewater West Industries, Ltd., Wild Wadi Waterpark, and Zamperla.
The next IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament is planned during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011, Nov. 14 – 18 in Orlando, Florida. Players or companies interested in participating in or sponsoring the tournament should contact Diane Williams at dwilliams@IAAPA.org, or +1 703/836-4800.
About Give Kids The World
Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village is a 70-acre, international resort based in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical Village, donated attractions tickets, meals, and more for a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 100, 000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. To learn more about GKTW, visit www.gktw.org.
About IAAPA
IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. www.IAAPA.org.
