17th Annual Event to Take 39 Families on Magical Vacation
The Something mAAgic Foundation? and American Airlines are partnering to provide children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families a seven-day retreat in Orlando, Fla. Today, 39 courageous children will participate in the Something mAAgic Foundation’s 17th annual mAAgic(SM) flight.
This year’s mAAgic flight will deliver these deserving families to Kissimmee, Fla., where they will stay at the 70-acre Give Kids The World Village?, conveniently located near popular Orlando attractions. Mileage for children and their families is generously donated by the American Airlines Miles for Kids In Need? program. To date, more than 400 children have participated in this annual event.
Bon voyage festivities will take place in 33 airports throughout the American Airlines and American Eagle network as the children depart their home cities. In addition, connection and arrival celebrations will take place at airports in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami and New York. These events are made possible by employee volunteers from American Airlines, American Eagle and American Airlines Federal Credit Union, include decorations, games and cheering volunteers for passengers as they begin their “mAAgical” vacations.
During their stay at the Give Kids The World Village, families will enjoy accommodations in their own villa and meals onsite at the Gingerbread House Restaurant. The Village, complete with a wheelchair-accessible waterpark, an Ice Cream Palace, a movie theater, golf course and boundless playground, is specially designed to delight children of all ages.
“I am continually impressed at the incredible amount of time, energy and dedication our people give to this program every year,” said Craig Kreeger, American’s Senior Vice President ? Customer. “Their commitment is what guarantees this program ? one that offers an extraordinary experience to families who have endured such hardship ? will continue to thrive. We are so proud to be a part of this experience and look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.”
More than $1.6 million in cash and in-kind donations have been raised to fund mAAgic flight and wish enhancements for children across the globe. This year, mAAgic flight is sponsoring children from eight countries: the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain and Puerto Rico.
To learn more about the Something mAAgic Foundation or to help create magical memories through volunteer opportunities or a financial contribution, please visit www.somethingmaagic.org.