“Kelly’s Sunny Swing” Unveiled at Give Kids the World Village
Hi everyone!
Give Kids the World Village dedicated a new, accessible ride named Kelly’s Sunny Swing this past week on Valentine’s Day. We first viewed the ride at IAAPA in November, with a press announcement by Give Kids the World President Pamela Landwirth and Alberto Zamperla. This is the third ride that Zamperla has given Give Kids the World and the ride name was unveiled on this day. Here is a look in photos and video at the event for Kelly’s Sunny Swing, which was named after a child who visited Give Kids the World in the early 1990s.
Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida where children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations.
Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry are a visible part of the village, Give Kids the World calls them “resident bunnies”. They arrived in Valentine’s Day outfits to the event.
Here is our video of the name unveiling, with Pamela Landwirth officiating.
This is the Kelly’s Sunny Swing sign. Landwirth said that Mr. Zamperla has “become a dear friend” and that the company “shares our passion for giving joy to children and our passion for accessibility”.
Journalist Scott Fais joined Landwirth on the ride, along with village guests. The ride features 8 standard seats and a space for a wheelchair.
They posed for a photo with Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry.
The ride looks like a lot of fun! When I first volunteered at Give Kids the World, the village was very much a place where families enjoyed activities in the evening after a day of visiting area attractions. But now, Give Kids the World feels more like a resort destination and it keeps expanding.
Here is our video from IAAPA, and we interview Landwirth about the attraction.
Give Kids the World is located in Kissimmee. You can find out more about volunteering or donating at their website.