I attended the Workers' Compensation Educational Conference (WCEC) in Orlando, Fla., last month. It encompassed several days of education focusing on the issues and trends that affect every aspect of workers' comp claims, networking events and a day volunteering 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 with life-threatening illnesses and their families a respite from doctors' appointments, hospital treatments, therapy and other aspects of their illness, and allows them to rest, relax and experience life in a safe, friendly atmosphere.

There is an ice cream parlor where children may choose to have ice cream for every meal while staying at GKTW. They can ride JJ's Express Train around the village, fly over the town in Lori's Magical Flight, ride pretend horses on the Magic Carousel or real horses in Keaton's Korral, frolic in the Park of Dreams swimming area, fish in the Happy Harbor Fishing Pond or be pampered at Twinkle 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 of volunteers who spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days helping to make the experience unforgettable for these special guests.

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

That evening, approximately 600 people attended a banquet for GKTW with a silent auction and other fundraising efforts. By the end of the conference, $50,000 had been raised for the charity, which has served 146,000 children and families since it opened in 1986.

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

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

Special Reports /

WCEC helps Give Kids the World

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