HENRI LANDWIRTH

"ALL I WANT TO DO IS PUT SMILES ON THE FACES OF YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE FELT MORE PAIN AND SUFFERING THAN WE WILL EVER KNOW. I WANT THEIR FAMILIES TO HAVE THE BEST GIFT I CAN GIVE THEM, HAPPY MEMORIES."

When Henri Landwirth was a boy, his life was threatened daily; he was in a Nazi concentration camp. "I never had a childhood. I shouldn't be alive today---so many around me died."

Henri survived, emotionally as well as physically, and promised himself that somehow he would do something to enrich the lives of other children whose lives were threatened.

Henri became successful in the hotel business and his promise became "Give Kids The World" and "Children's Village". Terminally ill children and children with life threatening illnesses can come to "Children's Village" in central Florida to see a piece of the world; Disney World, Sea World, Epcot Center, Universal and MGM Studios. Their families come along at little or no cost thanks to a coordinated effort of hundreds of groups and individuals including many "wish" organizations around the country.

Children's Village is Henri's gift from his past, his promise and his heart. Each cottage is big and beautiful. The village, with its facilities and activities, is designed for the children's well-being, joy and excitement. There are game rooms, a man-made lake where the children can fish, a gingerbread restaurant, movies and weekly visits by the Disney characters. If it relates to children and their happiness, Henri makes sure it is available.

It used to be that Henri couldn't meet the children; it was too emotionally tough for him. But now he understands how important it is for him, and for the children, to get to know them and their families.

Henri now gives of his time and energy to "Give Kids The World". Henri Landwirth is a gentle soul with a deep resonance of spirit who, "sometimes feels very depressed. But mostly I feel very happy, very fulfilled, very rich...it lifts my heart."

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