originally posted on 9/23/2024
Photo: Melinda Gaspari. View full-sized image.
Life can be turned completely upside down when a critical illness affects you and your family, and families who visit Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village are all too familiar with the ups and downs of illness and sacrifice. ACEers have always had a deep passion for curves, loops and unexpected drops on roller coasters, so when this enthusiastic hobby can also support a meaningful cause, it is truly a win-win.
Vekoma Engineer Charlie Wickham speaks to the participants at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Dave Jackson and Robert Ulrich pose for a photo with Give Kids The World President Pam Landwirth during the event at Dollywood.
Photo: Dave Jackson Collection. View full-sized image.
Throughout the summer of 2024, the dedicated members of the ACE Cares teams didn’t hesitate to grab an over-the-shoulder restraint or a lap bar to partner with GKTW Village once again during their Coasting for Kids: Inversion Tour events. These exciting days were held at various amusement parks around the United States. During this thrilling eight-event campaign, 32 ACE members and a few guests representing nine regions came together to celebrate their passion for roller coasters while raising funds and awareness to support the mission of the Village located in Kissimmee, Florida.
Those who registered for these events had the opportunity to participate with a fundraising donation of at least $100. The activities varied from park to park but included ERT on at least one roller coaster or an exit pass to be used throughout the day, a catered meal or snack, an event shirt and time well spent with friends and even a few GKTW Wish families. Unique behind-the-scenes experiences or guest speakers, including Vekoma Engineer Charlie Wickham and GKTW President Pam Landwirth, were included in park-specific events.
GKTW fundraiser in ACE South Central region with Chip Sieczko, Mayor Clayton and Elise Boyles.
Photo: Elise Boyles Collection. View full-sized image.
Holiday World BTS tour near Thunderhawk and The Voyage.
Photo: Alex Doak Collection. View full-sized image.
Alex and Kayla Doak pose for a photo in the Thanksgiving section at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, near Good Gravy! during ERT.
Photo: Alex Doak Collection. View full-sized image.
ACE Cares team at Holiday World (pictured: Alex Doak, Kayla Doak and Gary Dixon).
Photo: Alex Doak Collection. View full-sized image.
As a result of dedicated fundraising efforts, along with a generous donation from the Executive Committee, the tenacious members of the various ACE Cares teams collected $13,845 to support the mission of the Village. These efforts will help underwrite the fees for at least two fully funded wish vacations to Central Florida for children living with critical illnesses. Overall, ACE Cares teams were named the Top Fundraising Team at six of the eight events throughout the summer.
Group photo of the Coasting for Kids: Inversion Tour warriors near Steel Curtain at Kennywood.
Photo: Kris Leach Collection. View full-sized image.
Jimmy Kerr enjoys the Kennywood historic carousel during the ACE Cares ITOT at the Coasting for Kids event.
Photo: Kris Leach. View full-sized image.
Teamwork makes the dream work! ACE Cares Committee members Kris Leach and April Lucas show off the Top Team certificate during the Coasting for Kids: Inversion Tour event. The ACE Cares team raised over $5,500 to support the families visiting Give Kids The World Village.
Photo: Mike Leach. View full-sized image.
More specifically, congratulations go to Eastern Great Lakes region member Gary Dixon for earning the title of Top ACE Cares Fundraiser with a donation of $1,593. The ACE Cares team participating at Kennywood was awarded the Top Overall Team for the campaign with a combined total of $5,547, which alone will almost fund one wish week vacation. Special ACE Cares shoutouts go to ACE Eastern Great Lakes member Dave Jackson and ACE Southeast member Robert Ulrich for the huge donations that they amassed when they put their beards on the block once again to raise more than $1,300 at the Dollywood event in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. ACE South Central member Bryant Yeager raised more than $500 in a water park challenge. Young ACE New Jersey member Felix Greer singlehandedly raised $1,120 to share with the Village.
Top Fundraising Team of the Day and entire Coasting for Kids: Inversion Tour campaign. This team raised over $5,500, which will completely fund one entire wish vacation at GKTW Village.
Photo: Kris Leach Collection. View full-sized image.
In addition, GKTW Village recognized the philanthropic effort of the members by naming the American Coaster Enthusiasts and the ACE Cares Team as a documented sponsor of this event. The ACE logo was placed on the back of the event shirt that was presented to all registered participants meeting the required fundraising goal. Other 2024 event sponsors included Vekoma and Melanin Coaster Network (MCN).
At Dollywood, events included a behind-the-scenes tour of Mystery Mine.
Photo: Dave Jackson. View full-sized image.
Team Captain Melinda Gaspari in front of Wildcat's Revenge at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Melinda Gaspari Collection. View full-sized image.
Since 1986, GKTW Village has been hosting families from all over the world to make lifelong memories away from doctors’ appointments and medical procedures. These cost-free weeks help Wish families experience many of the simple joys of childhood and make precious memories that might be lost to them owing to a critical or chronic illness. The Village is situated on an 89-acre resort with 188 villa accommodations and many whimsical venues and attractions for families and children of all abilities. With generous financial donations from community members, corporate sponsors and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers as of this fall, GKTW Village has welcomed nearly 200,000 guests from all 50 states and 76 different countries.
View full-sized image.
The ACE New Jersey ACE Cares team (above) and members Sharon Galitsky (team captain), Linda Weisenstein and Felix Greer (below).
Photos: Linda Weisenstein Collection. View full-sized image.
The ACE Cares Committee thanks the team at GKTW and all the participating parks for their generous hospitality and enthusiastic support during this campaign. Planning will begin soon for next year’s Coasting for Kids events. ACE Cares is honored to partner with the Village to support its mission to serve the families who visit. If you are in the Orlando area for a vacation, please consider sharing a couple of hours of your time to help make someone else’s day a little brighter. “Happiness Inspires Hope,” and hope begins with you. Follow this link to get more information about GKTW and volunteer opportunities at the Village. www.gktw.org
— Kris Leach, ACE Cares Coordinator
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