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Photo Credit: Michael Purcell
Amberville, the Give Kids the World arcade, is one of the most popular attractions for children at the village. It contains arcade games, a train station, an interactive train model and a boat room for the children to enjoy.
January 18, 2012
Michael Purcell, Editor-in-Chief
A group of Marauder volunteers will be travelling to Give Kids the World Village in
Kissimmee, Fl. to support and spend time with terminally ill children whose wishes are being
granted by the Children’s Dream Fund.
Give Kids the World is a “village” just outside of Orlando, Fl. meant to provide a free,
memorable, magical experience to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
When children under the assistance of the Children’s Dream Fund make their one “wish,” many
often choose to go to Give Kids the World, as it provides for a week of housing and events as
well as free entry into Orlando’s well-known and very popular theme parks.
CCC has often sent groups to volunteer at the village in the past, however in recent years it
has become far less often. But this year, on the weekend of Feb. 9-11, a group consisting of two
teachers, seven seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and a single freshman will be giving of
their time at the village.
While volunteering at Give Kids the World, students will help in the game room, greet and
serve the families in the cafeteria, drive the train around the village, work in the horse stables,
take part in a parade and get to know and create bonds with the children who are spending their
week there.
“I’ve been to Give Kids the World multiple times and I’m so excited to go back because it’s
something I’m very passionate about. It’s a cause that is very close to my heart and meeting the
children is so inspiring and amazing,” Spanish teacher Patty Ceraolo, one of the two teachers
who will be chaperoning, said.
Every year during Homecoming Week, our school sponsors children from the Children’s
Dream Fund through the collection of “Spirit Links” and many of those children use that money
to go to Give Kids the World as their “wish.” Over the past few years, through trips to the
village and through Spirit Links, Give Kids the World has grown into a close relationship with
CCC.
For many of the children spending the week at the village, their trip to Give Kids the World
will be their last vacation spent with their families. It is a time and place where they can forget
about their problems and illnesses in the magical, dream-like atmosphere and unbelievable theme
parks.
“I’m so excited to go back because the last time I went was freshman year, and the village itself is
just a magical place, but you also meet some of the most wonderful people. I’m glad I can go
back because it was such a memorable experience,” senior Ciara Boyle said.
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