The annual IAAPA Expo brings thousands involved in the amusement industry from around the world to Orlando next month, and IAAPA always tries to capitalize on the gathering and support its main charity partner, Give Kids the World Village. The World Village is a nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Fla., where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families can live, play and heal. This year, three charity events are planned for the Expo, open to anyone and everyone!
The 15th annual golf tournament will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. onward. IAAPA’s eighth annual motorcycle ride is also held that day, with riders revving their engines at 9 a.m. Motorcycles are available for rent and a $100 registration fee for each driver and passenger covers lunch.
Finally, IAAPA’s Charity 5K Run and 1K Walk, Footprints from the Heart, heads into its 9th annual year supporting the charity village. Participants get the chance to see exactly where their money is going as they run through the village itself. The families staying in the Village oftentimes wave and cheer for the runners, according to Russell Allison, co-chair in charge of coordinating the charity run.
“Some people have been to the village before, most haven’t. You read about it, but to see it and have the kids and their parents cheer you on, it connects you with the village,” Allison said. “You get to see the ice cream shop, full of kids eating ice cream for breakfast, and it shows you where your money is going. It’s one of the highest rated charities in the world, and they deserve it.”
The village is about 25 minutes from the hotel area in Orlando, and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. Allison wants anyone headed to IAAPA to know they’re more than welcome to participate in the run, even if they’d rather just run one mile or do the 1K walk. Only so many can sign up for the golf tourney and motorcycle ride, but the run can accommodate as many early-bird exercisers as come! Over 260 participated in last year’s run, and those who want to donate but may be busy during the show can sign up as a Virtual Runner. This allows them to donate to the cause, and complete a 5k or 1k on their own time to get the race medal and Give Kids the World Village swag.
