Blogs

originally posted on 12/11/2023 1:25:00 PM

(from left to right) Elizabeth Ringas, Evangelos Ringas and Jessica Gardner.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.

Ten days before the day reminding Americans to be grateful for all they have in life, ACE members were thankful for their opportunities and underscored that sentiment with time spent volunteering at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. ACE members helped out over many days and in many capacities.

“The best part is seeing kids’ eyes light up when you ask them ‘which do you want?’,” said Cliff Herring of ACE Eastern Pennsylvania, who spent his time scooping ice cream in Henri's Starlite Scoops Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlor. He was helping families enjoy their sweet treats to beat the Florida heat. Jessica Gardner, part of ACE Pacific Southwest, was helping scoop ice cream on a different shift — breakfast — because the parlor is open during all meals in order to give families as many opportunities for memories as possible. Gardner shared that her favorite part was seeing the families together “taking photos and making memories.”

View Jessica Gardner's video.

Henri’s Starlite Scoops Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlor is a popular destination at the Village, perfect for beating the Florida heat.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

ACE members Leo Krasnahill (left) and Joe DeSalvo (right) spend time volunteering at the Village.

Kathy and Stephen Peeples of the Southeast region spent their time together volunteering as castle attendants. The Castle of Miracles is a special place in the village: inside are wishes left by all the children who have stayed on premise. The castle is a wonderful place to get lost, as there is also an enchanted forest within and a magic wishing well. When asked about their day, they shared, "The volunteer process was easy and straightforward. We had a great experience meeting wish kids and their families in the Castle of Miracles. It all went by too quickly."

A whimsical theme through the Village is intended to help families forget their daily challenges.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

A few ACE members were ride operators at the Village, which has a train, a carousel and an elevated spinning ride. Evangelos Ringas of ACE Mid-Atlantic was excited to share his time as the carousel gatekeeper, which has a clear view of the cafeteria so families can ride both on their way into and out of meals. Ringas was also utilized as an assistant to Buttons the Rabbit. He helped to create wish pillows for the kids who visit the village inside the castle. Other volunteer ride operators that weekend included Elizabeth Ringas, also of ACE Mid-Atlantic, and Joseph Ciza and Xander Lee of ACE South Central.

Elizabeth Ringas served as a carousel operator at the Village.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.

“I was enchanted by the lights and all the people willing to help such an amazing cause,” said Jeff Niemiec of ACE Southeast, who volunteered at the Holiday Soiree that was held to raise funds for the massive undertaking of running the Village. “I shepherded sharply dressed people around the village as they arrived, to make sure they found the fundraiser.” Jes Niemiec from ACE Eastern Pennsylvania also volunteered at the Holiday Soiree and added, “The rain made it challenging, as there were some added bumps related to needing power strips changed and adding umbrellas to the list of things to keep track of, but it was a night I wouldn’t trade. I loved seeing families enjoying the night and each other as they walked through the village.”

Give Kids The World Village is not open to the public, so only wish families and volunteers are able to see its magic in person. ACE members who are interested in volunteering can find more information on the process by emailing volunteer@gktw.org or keeping an eye on the ACE events calendar for the next ACE volunteer weekend opportunity.

The idea behind the Village is to promote a calm and comfortable experience for visitors; hence the fact that it is not open to the public.
Photo: Ted Ansley. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jes Niemiec. View full-sized image.

If one missed out on seeing the village this time, ACE members can catch a glimpse of the lights that are currently decorating all the buildings and yards by joining in the next ACE digital event. The Holiday Lights Tour of Give Kids The World Village will be held on Zoom with the link being sent to registered ACE members right before the event. The event will be on Thursday, December 21, at 8:30 p.m. EST. Register for this and all ACE events on ridewithace.com/events.

— Jes Niemiec, Member Communications Coordinator

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