I attended the Workers' Compensation Educational Conference (WCEC)in Orlando, Fla., last month. It encompassed several days ofeducation focusing on the issues and trends that affect everyaspect of workers' comp claims, networking events and a dayvolunteering at the Give Kids the World Village.

I first learned about Give Kids the World (GKTW) in Kissimmee,Fla., at last year's conference. The program gives children withlife-threatening illnesses and their families a respite fromdoctors' appointments, hospital treatments, therapy and otheraspects of their illness, and allows them to rest, relax andexperience life in a safe, friendly atmosphere.

There is an ice cream parlor where children may choose to haveice cream for every meal while staying at GKTW. They can ride JJ'sExpress Train around the village, fly over the town in Lori'sMagical Flight, ride pretend horses on the Magic Carousel or realhorses in Keaton's Korral, frolic in the Park of Dreams swimmingarea, fish in the Happy Harbor Fishing Pond or be pampered atTwinkle Hope's La–Ti-Da Royal Spa and so much more.

Hundreds of volunteers

The park is run by a small staff with help from hundreds ofvolunteers who spend anywhere from a few hours to a few dayshelping to make the experience unforgettable for these specialguests.

This year, almost 500 insurance professionals donated their timeas part of the WCEC. I worked at Lori's Magical Flight as one ofthe ride operators. Several families and children came through andthe look of pure joy on their faces as they soared above everyonewas unforgettable. A couple of the kids wanted to ride more thanonce and it was our privilege to grant that wish.

That evening, approximately 600 people attended a banquet forGKTW with a silent auction and other fundraising efforts. By theend of the conference, $50,000 had been raised for the charity,which has served 146,000 children and families since it opened in1986.

In the July issue of Claims magazine I talked about theimportance of investing our time, talent and resources in endeavors that will truly make a positivedifference. Insurance professionals do this every day as partof their jobs, and all of those who participated at GKTW as part ofthe WCEC volunteer effort demonstrated that insurers compriseindividuals who have chosen this field because they care aboutimproving the lives of not only their policyholders, but also thosewho are experiencing a wide variety of trials and challenges, andin some cases, literally fighting a battle that is life ordeath.

To learn more about Give Kids the World and how you canparticipate, visit www.gktw.org.