Team Eagle recently took part in the Gingerbread Run for Give Kids the World. Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical non-profit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that provides week-long, cost-free wish vacations to critically ill children and their families from around the world who want to visit Central Florida.
A stay at the Village is much more than a vacation. During one incredible week, wish families laugh, play, and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures. It’s a magical week of “YES” where wish kids can experience the simple joys of childhood, and where families can recapture some of the precious moments that may have been missed due to illness.
Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 187,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries. The Village is made possible by the support of generous donors and community partners, as well as thousands of passionate volunteers – who donate their time and talent making wishes come true.
Gingerbread Run
The Gingerbread Run is an annual 5k fundraiser that is held at the village. Thousands of people run, roll or walk the course, which is set throughout the village’s entire 89 acres. This year some members from Team Eagle entered the run. Sadly not all our team could attend, but Lloyd, Sarah, Johanna, Enith and Rebecca were there. They arrived, bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6.00am, some still clutching cups of coffee. The Team elected to walk the event, although Lloyd was chomping at the bit to run I’m sure.
Our team raised over $1,600 for this amazing charity, earning us 15th place in the fund-raising rankings. However, Rebecca was our top fundraiser with over $220 donated by her friends and family. There were people dressed in costumes, people in wheelchairs, children in strollers, dogs and of course serious runners trying to outdo their own personal best. However entrants elected to participate in the race, everywhere you looked there were smiles. The run meanders past snoozing trees, enchanted castles, whimsically painted fire hydrants and of course many volunteers giving out candy, leis, stickers and all cheering everyone on. This year’s event raised over $185,000 and donations are still coming in.