Give Kids The World Village needs your help with spring fundraisers

Central Florida’s Give Kids The World charity is asking for your help with some of its fundraisers this spring.

Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre nonprofit, whimsical resort located near Central Florida’s well-known theme parks and attractions. Children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong vacations with free accommodations in the Village’s villas. I toured the Village and learned about its amazing mission last summer.

This week, readers are invited to join a social media movement called “Hats Off to Keaton” Photo Contest. Through Friday (Jan. 30), Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines is hosting an online photo contest to honor Keaton White, the inspiration behind Keaton’s Korral, the place in the Village where the Give Kids The World children take horse rides each week.

To enter the contest, post a picture in a funny hat to the Wheaton (https://www.facebook.com/WheatonMoving) or Bekins (https://www.facebook.com/bekinsvanlinesinc) Facebook pages. The pictures receiving the most votes will win great prizes. All donations made to Keaton’s Korral (www.gktw.org/keatonskorral) through Jan. 31 will be matched by the van line. The goal for the campaign match program is $22,000 and the Village is only $2,845 shy of that total.

On Feb. 25, supporters can attend a special fundraiser luncheon to benefit Give Kids The World at The Ice Factory in Kissimmee. Professional meat cutters from around the country will travel to Kissimmee to compete in the National Meat Cutting Challenge event to determine who will move on to the final round for a chance to win $20,000. Following the competition, Texas Roadhouse will grill the hand-cut steaks prepared during the competition for a luncheon with 100 percent of all sales going to Give Kids The World.

The cost of the luncheon is $10 per person and includes Texas Roadhouse grilled steak, two made-from-scratch sides, fresh baked rolls with honey cinnamon butter and a non-alcoholic beverage. In addition, there will be vendors and live music by the group Hayfire. Guests can RSVP with full name and number of luncheon attendees to [email protected] by Feb. 13.

Give Kids The World’s biggest fundraiser, the Black & White Gala, takes place May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The evening celebration includes fine dining, auction items and world-class entertainment.

Tables purchased prior to Feb. 15 will include a complimentary room at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive, for Saturday, May 9. Tickets and tables on sale now at www.gktw.org/gala. Tables are $3,500 and premium table are $5,000. Individual tickets cost $350.

You don’t have to be visiting Orlando this spring or live in Central Florida to help Give Kids The World Village by attending fundraisers. Readers can get involved in this worthwhile cause by spreading the word about the events and, of course, donations are always welcome. Both of those forms of assistance can be done from your home.

Follow @Kristin_B_Ford