The Workers' Compensation Educational Conference is the largest gathering of workers' comp professionals in the country, and this year's event was no exception. With almost 500 speakers, thousands of attendees and over 300 exhibitors, the conference offered over 200 live education sessions. However, one of the highlights of the event has always been WCI's support of the Give Kids The World (GKTW) village that welcomes families of critically ill children for a special week-long stay at no cost to the families. WCI has supported GKTW for seven years by supplying volunteers to work at the village before the conference, and holding an annual fundraising gala and silent auction each year. When the coronavirus forced WCI to cancel last year's event, volunteers still raised $90,000 and worked on creating masks, booklets and other items for the village's special guests. Night of a Million Lights was launched last year as a fundraiser for the village and a way to encourage support while sharing the GKTW story. During its 35 years of operation, GKTW has served 177,000 children and their families. This year, 250 WCI attendees volunteered to put together crafts in-person before the conference and over 400 attended WCI's special gala event during the Night of a Million Lights. They also had an opportunity to meet one of the families who have benefited from GKTW. Seven-year-old Dani-Lynne Early has had multiple heart surgeries and is currently on the heart transplant list. She came to GKTW with her family when she was only three years old. Her mother, Amelia, shared that Dani-Lynne has been air-lifted to the hospital twice in her short life, including a very recent trip and unexpected trip. "Coming here is indescribable and wouldn't happen without people like you," shared Amelia, as she thanked everyone for the opportunity to share their story. All of the houses throughout the village were decorated in an array of colors and a dancing light show where the lights on the houses literally "danced" and flashed to a variety of Christmas songs greeted guests as they entered. The slideshow above highlights some of the decorations and activities from that magical evening. Related: |

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