originally posted on 12/18/2023
Photo: Elise Boyle Collection. View full-sized image.
Life seems like a roller coaster at times, with curves, loops and unexpected
drops or other surprises. Families who visit Give Kids The World (GKTW) are all
too familiar with the ups and downs of illness and sacrifice. Throughout the summer
of 2023, 43 ACE members representing at least 10 different regions chose to grab
a shoulder harness or lap bar to support these families by participating in
Coasting for Kids events throughout the United States. Those who registered for
these events had the opportunity to participate in-person at a park or
virtually with a donation of at least $100. The activities varied from park to
park but included ERT on at least one roller coaster, a catered meal or snack,
an event shirt and time well-spent with friends and a few GKTW Wish families.
As a result of dedicated fundraising efforts plus a generous
donation from the ACE Executive Committee, members of the various ACE Cares
teams collected almost $20,000 to support the mission of GKTW Village. These
efforts will help underwrite the fees for at least three fully funded “Wish”
vacations to central Florida for children living with critical illnesses.
Members of the ACE Cares team pose in front of Dollywood’s new Big Bear Mountain.
Photo: Elizabeth Davis. View full-sized image.
Overall, the ACE Cares teams were named the top fundraising teams at
12 of the 14 events throughout the summer. Congratulations go to Eastern Great
Lakes region member Gary Dixon for earning the title of Top ACE Cares Fundraiser.
Meanwhile, the ACE Cares team participating at Kennywood was awarded the Top Overall
Team for the campaign. A special ACE Cares shoutout goes to Eastern Great Lakes
member Dave Jackson for the huge donations that he amassed when he put his beard
on the block to raise funds for the Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) event.
ACE Cares team members enjoy the carousel at Kennywood.
Photo: Courtesy of ACE Cares. View full-sized image.
In addition, GKTW Village recognized the philanthropic effort of
members by naming the American Coaster Enthusiasts and ACE Cares Team as a
documented sponsor of the event. The ACE Cares logo was placed on the GKTW website
“Sponsors” section as well as on the back of the event shirt presented to all
registered participants meeting the required fundraising goal. Other notable
sponsors included Vekoma, Premier Rides, Rocky Mountain Construction, The
Gravity Group and Coaster101.com.
Left: Nick McSparrin, Steve Amos and Gary Dixon; Right: Phil Nelson and Gary Dixon pose with Kenny Kangaroo.
Photos: Courtesy of ACE Cares. View full-sized image.
Since 1986, GKTW Village has been hosting families from all over
the world to make lifelong memories far removed from doctor’s appointments and
medical procedures. These cost-free weeks help Wish families experience many of
the simple joys of childhood and reclaim 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 and corporate sponsors, as well as thousands
of enthusiastic volunteers, GKTW has welcomed more than 188,000 guests from all
50 states and 76 different countries.
Lee Ann Draud (left) and Kris Leach (right) participate at an ACE Cares meet at Kennywood.
Photo: Courtesy of ACE Cares. 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 be partnering with the Village to support its mission to serve the
families who visit.
ACE Cares team members gather at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania;
pictured on the right are Brian Knoebel, Mike Matscherz and Elise Boyles.
Photo: Elise Boyle. View full-sized image.
Photo: Janine Rebbie Matscherz. View full-sized image.
Please consider joining a team next summer when the announcements
are made. If you are in the Orlando area for a vacation of your own, please
consider sharing a couple of hours of your time to help make someone else’s day
a little brighter. As the GKTW motto states, “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 Co-coordinator
#ACENews