A Village Built on a Promise | Give Kids the World Village
On September 29, members of the Mayan Technologies team visited Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, to present our Tech with Purpose 2026 donation and spend an evening volunteering at Café Clayton.
After months of supporting the organization through our annual Tech with Purpose initiative, we had the opportunity to see the Village firsthand, learn more about its remarkable history, and meet some of the people who make its mission possible.
A Village Built on a Promise
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre nonprofit resort that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. Behind its colorful buildings, imaginative attractions, and celebrations is a story that began with a promise.
Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor and Central Florida hotelier, had spent years helping arrange accommodations for children traveling to Orlando on wish trips. When a young girl named Amy, who had leukemia, passed away before her dream vacation could be arranged, Henri made a commitment: no child should miss the opportunity to experience their wish because of logistical delays.
That promise eventually became Give Kids The World Village.
During our tour, we saw how Henri's vision continues to shape the Village today. Every detail, from its whimsical attractions to its thoughtfully designed spaces, helps create an environment where families can enjoy time together, celebrate milestones, and take a break from the routines of medical care.
One of the most memorable stops was the Castle of Miracles, home to nearly 200,000 gold stars, each representing a wish child who has visited the Village. Together, they offer a powerful perspective on the number of families whose lives have intersected with this extraordinary place.
Turning Our Commitment Into Action
Throughout July, Mayan Technologies dedicated a portion of revenue from qualifying Epicor Professional Services Retainer engagements to Give Kids The World Village through Tech with Purpose 2026.
Presenting our donation in person was a significant moment for our team. It gave us the opportunity to connect the work behind our campaign with the organization and families it was intended to support.
Following the presentation, we traded our role as visitors for one as volunteers, joining the evening dinner service at Café Clayton.
Our team helped serve meals, carry trays, assist families, clear tables, and keep the dining areas ready for guests. Working alongside GKTW staff and experienced volunteers gave us a firsthand appreciation for the coordination, dedication, and attention to detail that go into making the Village's daily activities run smoothly.
While our contribution was just a small part of the evening, being involved in those everyday moments offered a perspective we could never have gained from a donation alone.
A Few Extra Surprises
We also brought along Mayan-sponsored gift bags filled with toys, which our team distributed to the children during dinner.
Seeing their reactions was one of the highlights of our visit. Some eagerly explored the contents of their bags, while others began playing with their new toys almost immediately.
These brief interactions were among our favorite memories of the evening. They were a reminder that alongside the larger programs and experiences the Village provides, small moments of excitement and connection have a place of their own.
More Than a Campaign
Our visit to Give Kids The World Village brought a new perspective to this year's Tech with Purpose initiative.
We had spent months learning about the organization and working toward our contribution. Being there allowed us to see the people and daily efforts behind its mission, from the carefully designed spaces to the staff and volunteers who help make every family's stay memorable.
We extend our appreciation to the Give Kids The World Village team for welcoming us, sharing their story, and inviting us to be part of their work. We also recognize everyone at Mayan Technologies whose participation helped make this year's initiative possible.
The experience reinforced something important about Tech with Purpose: while our work begins in technology, the opportunities it creates can extend well beyond it.
Tech with Purpose 2026 | Leveraging Technology for Lasting Change
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