Give Kids The World Village Celebrated with Chick-fil-A Grant for 2025 True Inspiration Awards®

Give Kids The World Village Honored with $200,000 Grant

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW), a remarkable nonprofit organization located in Kissimmee, Florida, has been awarded a substantial grant of $200,000 by Chick-fil-A, Inc. This honor comes as GKTW is named the top Southeast Regional Winner of the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards®, a program established in 2015 to perpetuate the legacy of generosity and community service from Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy.

The grant GKTW received will enhance its ongoing mission: to cultivate happiness, inspire optimism, and ignite a profound sense of hope for children afflicted with critical illnesses and their families during unforgettable week-long vacations that come at no cost to them. With the financial support from Chick-fil-A, GKTW can continue changing lives and creating magical moments for those facing serious health challenges.

Currently, over 30,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with critical illnesses each year. Many of these children, upon receiving a wish, choose to visit Central Florida and its theme parks. GKTW stands as the organization that plays a pivotal role in fulfilling these wishes, ensuring that every family experiences a comprehensive vacation package. This package includes transportation, accommodations, delicious meals and snacks, nightly entertainment, donated theme park tickets, and an abundance of memorable activities on the Village’s accessible rides and attractions.

Since its inception in 1986, nearly 200,000 families from across all 50 states and 77 countries have been welcomed to the Village. Here, they come together to make cherished memories, laugh, play, and experience a break from the burdens of hospital stays and medical treatments. Providing evidence of its exceptional performance in philanthropy, GKTW is among less than 1% of all U.S. charities to receive a perfect score from Charity Navigator for 18 consecutive years, with an impressive 92.7 cents of every dollar going directly to supporting programs and services.

The financial support provided by the True Inspiration Award will have a profound impact on GKTW's capability to provide unparalleled experiences for the families it serves. Jordan Lomas, the Interim CEO of Give Kids The World, expressed heartfelt gratitude by stating, "We are grateful beyond words to receive the True Inspiration Award from Chick-fil-A. This grant will have a profound impact on our ability to change the lives of countless families facing unimaginable challenges due to pediatric illness."

In addition to the financial contributions, we must acknowledge the relationship that GKTW has built with local Chick-fil-A restaurants. The Chick-fil-A located in Kissimmee, owned and operated by Renato Nascimento, has consistently supported the Village, enhancing the community connection and the mission of both organizations. GKTW looks forward to continuing this partnership with Chick-fil-A to spread joy and hope to the families that need it the most.

As a nonprofit resort spanning 89 acres, GKTW creates a whimsical atmosphere for children with critical conditions, inviting them to experience happiness and adventure. Each year, GKTW fulfills essential wishes for families in need, emphasizing the importance of creating joyful memories in times of distress.

For more information about GKTW and how you can help continue this positive impact, visit www.gktw.org.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. ranks as the third-largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, noted for its freshly prepared meals and exceptional customer service. With a workforce of over 200,000 across 3,000 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, Chick-fil-A champions local initiatives that foster hunger reduction, education, and community engagement. Founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy, this family-owned company continues to uphold its dedication to making a tangible impact in the neighborhoods it serves. More is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.