BBYO as a global Movement has long been at the center of powerful initiatives, encouraging Jewish teens to enact positive change. As part of BBYOs commitment to charity, philanthropy, and community service, each year during International Convention, teens and staff select a Stand Up Cause, rallying members to raise awareness and collect necessary resources for a worthy and impactful cause. 

For BBYOs Centennial Celebration, we’ve selected Give Kids The World (GKTW) to serve as our Stand Up! Based in sunny Orlando, Florida, Give Kids The World actively collects donations to create a space “where wish kids can experience the simple joys of childhood”. As teens who have access to incredible opportunities, like BBYO and International Convention, we are excited to give back through supporting GKTW!

Since 1986, Give Kids The World has been providing memorable experiences for critically ill children and their families. Founded by holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth, he made a vow to make the world a better place after spending three years in Nazi concentration camps. Soon after, Landwirth founded GKTW, upholding the promise he made to himself, while actively making the world a better place. Through establishing Give Kids The World, The World Village has become a place where critically ill children and their families can experience a week-long vacation where they can create cherished memories away from hospitals and medical treatment. The best part about The World Village is that families stays are completely cost-free!

With no financial burden whatsoever, families have access to an 89-acre village, filled with whimsical venues, memorable villas, and accessible attractions to accommodate all children. From amusement park style rides, to character meet-and-greets, GKTW is tailored to provide families with immense joy and respite from the challenges they face on a daily basis.

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So, how can you help? When you’re packing for IC, be sure to bring with you crayons, markers, sticker books, cards, card games, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles to donate to our Stand Up Drive. All donations will go to Give Kids The World. Donations are being collected at the Welcome Center during IC or on each floor by the elevator in the donation bins. See you in Orlando!