Alexandria, VA, USA — The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and attractions industry professionals raised more than $81,000 for its 17-year charity partner, Give Kids The World (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida, through three events held during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012.
Proceeds from IAAPA’s 10th annual International Charity Golf Tournament, third annual Motorcycle Ride, and sixth annual GKTW Fun Run and Walk, Footprints from the Heart, were donated to Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort that provides cost-free vacations for children with life-threatening diseases and their families.
“IAAPA’s contributions to Give Kids The World have been extremely significant over the last 17 years,” said Pam Lindwirth, president of GKTW. “We’re proud to have such generous partners in IAAPA and the attractions industry.”
IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament
One hundred and forty-three attractions industry professionals hit the links and enjoyed a day at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort on Sunday, Nov. 1. The foursome of Walt Bowser of Six Flags, John Andrews of Baynum Painting, and Bill Wright and Chas Kuhn, both of Ride Entertainment, won the golf tournament, with a score of 54. The foursome of John Conway of National Ticket Company, Clark Robinson, former president and CEO of IAAPA, and John Cunningham and Randy Bagley with Encoded Guardian finished second with a score of 58.
Jordan Hurley, of Formula One Driver, and Jessica McNaulo, of Picsolve won the longest drive contest in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
“I’m so pleased we continue to be a great international tournament—we have players from many, many countries, who enjoy this day as the opening of IAAPA Attractions Expo,” said Bill Alter, co-chairman of the event. “Nothing could be greater than making a sizable contribution to Give Kids The World while having this much fun.”
IAAPA Motorcycle Run
While some opted to spend their day on neatly trimmed Bermuda Grass, others opted for asphalt and the open road. IAAPA’s third annual motorcycle ride sent 38 riders from Orlando Harley Davidson, the ride’s start and end point, cruising through the hills, farmlands, lakes, and forests surrounding Orlando.
The ride took place in conjunction with the International Charity Golf Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 11, and was broken in to two parts, allowing riders to join golfers at Hawk’s Landing for a networking lunch.
IAAPA 5K Fun Run and 1K Walk – Footprints From the Heart
Thursday, Nov. 15, IAAPA held its third annual 5K Fun Run and 1K Walk, Footprints From The Heart to support GKTW. The event raised $6,400 for the Village.
On the men’s side, the 5K was won by Martell Munguia of American Wave Machines, Inc., who finished with a time of 18 minutes and 50 seconds. Mario Cantarinella of Parque Diversiones finished second with a time of 19 minutes and 23 seconds, and Brett Clark of Wet N Wild finished third, coming in at 19 minutes and 37 seconds.
For the women, Jenna Munguia, also of American Wave Machines, Inc., won the race with a time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds. Gina Classsen of Herchend Family Entertainment finished second with a time of 23 minutes 11 seconds, and Diane Williams of IAAPA and Chloe James of Jack Rouse Associates tied for third, coming in at 26 minutes 7 seconds.
The highest individual fundraiser was Joanna del Moral of TEA Eastern Division, who raised $675. The most successful team fundraiser was TEA Eastern Division, who raised a total of $1,007.
The top 3 finishers in the men’s and women’s race, as well as the top individual fundraiser and top team fundraiser were awarded prizes at the conclusion of the event.
Golf Tournament Sponsors
“We have to thank all of the sponsors and everyone who’s played for 10 years,” Atler said. “Most of the sponsors have been with us since the beginning, year after year.”
Gold Sponsor: Leisure Labs
Silver Sponsors: Allied Specialty Insurance, Inc.; Neptune-Benson/Lawson Aquatics & Engineered Treatment Systems (ETS)
Networking Lunch Sponsor: Intamin; Zamperla
Breakfast Sponsor: Vekoma Rides Manufacturing
Gift Certificate Sponsor: Deltronic Labs Inc.; Naughton Insurance
Hole-in-One Sponsor: Zambelli Fireworks Mfg. Co.
Putting Contest Sponsor: Kennedy Space Center (DNC)
Hole Sponsors: Amusement Management Partners LLC; Bay Tek Games Inc.; Bob’s Space Racer Inc.; Canobie Lake Park; Dollywood, Ellis & Associates; Europa-Park and Mack Rides; Freeman; Hershend Family Entertainment; Hersheypark; Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari; IAAPA Water Park Committee; Kennywood; Morey’s Piers; National Ticket Company; Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc.; QBE
Patron Sponsors: Astrid Lindgren’s World; Avius Experience; BALPPA; Benchmark Games Inc.; Patty and Bob Bennett; Edward Carroll; Coney Island; E.K. Fernandez Shows Inc./Fun Factory; Glynn Geotechnical Engineering; Gold Medal Products Co.; Jack Rouse Associates Inc.; JN Entertainment & Leisure Consultancy; John Collins Leisure PT; Funworld; Prima; Ralph S. Alberts, Co. Inc.; Sally Corporation; Seabreeze Park; TJ Timco Agency; Triotech; Waldameer Park, Inc. & Water World; West Midlands Safari Park; WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.
In-Kind Donations: American Locker Security Systems Inc.; Colorvision International Inc.; Freeman; The
Good Stuff Company; Orlando Harley-Davidson; SeaWorld Orlando
Golf Shirt: Ride Entertainment Systems
Motorcycle Run Sponsors
Privat Car; Chance Rides Manufacturing; Neuman Group; Premier Rides Inc.; The Sheehan Firm PC; Uremet; Water Technology Inc.
About Give Kids The World
Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village is a 70-acre, international nonprofit 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.givekidstheworld.org.
Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village is a 70-acre, international nonprofit 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.givekidstheworld.org.
About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the attractions industry. With its theme “Game On,” the show will take place in Orlando, Florida, and draw 25,000 industry professionals from 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov. 16. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 offers a full week of business opportunities and educational experiences, and features new ideas, products, and events. www.IAAPA.org/
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 is the largest conference and trade show in the world for the attractions industry. With its theme “Game On,” the show will take place in Orlando, Florida, and draw 25,000 industry professionals from 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov. 16. IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 offers a full week of business opportunities and educational experiences, and features new ideas, products, and events. www.IAAPA.org/
About IAAPA
Founded in 1918, 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. The association’s global headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia, United States, and it maintains regional offices in Brussels, Mexico City, and Hong Kong. www.IAAPA.org
