WCI announces return of Give Kids The World initiative
This year, the Workers' Compensation Education Conference and Safety & Health Conference return in person with events to support the nonprofit resort.
Amidst the global pandemic in 2020, many insurance events were forced to postpone, including the Workers’ Compensation Institute’s (WCI) annual Workers’ Compensation Education Conference and Safety & Health Conference. The postponement also meant the WCI had to suspend its annual gala and service day in support of Give Kids The World Village (GKTW), an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost.
However, with the return of the 75th annual conference later this year, the WCI is excited to announce its 2021 Give Kids The World Village Initiative.
The conference, which is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 11, 2021, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, will feature a virtual volunteer opportunity along with a limited in-person volunteer project at the conference site.
“Each year, I am humbled to see so many good folks in our industry come together to organize, volunteer, and contribute financial donations for our Give Kids the World fundraising project. It is absolutely one of the most rewarding aspects of the WCI conference,” Jim McConnaughhay, WCI Founder and Chairman, told PropertyCasualty360.com.
Support despite the global pandemic
Although the WCI had to cancel its 2020 conference and corresponding efforts for GKTW, the workers’ comp community did not falter on its commitment to help the nonprofit.
In 2020, more than 350 volunteers worked virtually to create over 5,500 masks and autograph books for the children and wish families who visited GKTW. WCI also hosted a virtual silent auction that raised more than $93,000.
At the time, Pam Landwirth, the CEO of GKTW, commented on the WCI’s efforts in an email to the organization: “Absolutely incredible!! We cannot begin to thank you enough for your ongoing outpouring of love and support. Your passion for our mission is unparalleled! To raise this much money … virtually … in the midst of a pandemic that is wreaking havoc on every aspect of our lives is truly a testament to the compassion and generosity of your people. … I truly appreciated reading all of the wonderful comments made. … Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to celebrating with you in person one day soon.”
How to get involved
There are a few ways industry professionals can support GKTW in 2021, including attending the “Winter Wonderland” WCI-GKTW Gala event at the Workers’ Compensation Education Conference. The family-friendly event promises a one-of-a-kind holiday immersive experience, with tickets priced at $75 for adults and $25 for children under the age of 12. The WCI is also seeking industry sponsors for the gala dinner event.
In a statement announcing this year’s initiative, McConnaughhay said: “From the initial 30 conference attendees and staff who originally volunteered to the more than 1,200 who volunteered in 2019, this wonderful outreach program has demonstrated that there are really some good folks in our industry. This continued support during some very difficult times has been an inspiration to us all.”
Those who wish to volunteer, sponsor, or donate during the WCI-GKTW event may visit the WCI’s fundraiser webpage or call 850-425-8156.
Do you know a company with outstanding loss control, safety and return-to-work programs? Nominations are open for NU PC360′s annual Workers’ Comp Risk Management Award for Excellence, sponsored by Sedgwick and Safety National in conjunction with WCI. The three award winners will be honored at WCI’s 75th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference and 32nd Safety & Health Conference happening Dec. 12-15, 2021. There is no entry fee for this award program. Click here to submit a nomination today!
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