American Airlines, Something mAAgic Foundation to grant weeklong vacation to deserving children

The Something mAAgic ^SM Foundation and American Airlines are joining together to grant children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families a weeklong vacation in Orlando, Fla. Today, 36 courageous children will set out on an adventure during the Something mAAgic Foundation's 18th annual mAAgic^sm flight event.

These deserving families will be delivered by this year's mAAgic^SM flight to Kissimmee, Fla., to lodge at the incredible Give Kids The World Village^®, a 70-acre "storybook" resort that neighbors popular Orlando attractions. The annual event is sponsored by the Something mAAgic^SM Foundation, with travel for children and their families generously provided by the American Airlines Kids In Need^sm program. To date, more than 400 children have participated in the event.

Thirty-one airports throughout the American Airlines and American Eagle network will celebrate the children departing from their home cities. Something mAAgic^SM volunteers made up of American Airlines, American Eagle and American Airlines Federal Credit Union employees will work together to create themed send-off celebrations for the families at the participating airports, customized to feature each child's favorite things. Cheering onlookers, airport volunteers and families will meet and greet the children as they depart for Orlando International Airport and a magical experience.

"The bravery of the participating families and the selfless commitment of our people and the volunteers who make this event possible are humbling," said Jon Snook, American's Senior Vice President – Customer Service. "I'm both proud and grateful that American is once again a part of 'mAAgic^SM flight.'"

During their stay at Give Kids The World Village, the families will enjoy accommodations in their own villa and meals onsite at the Gingerbread House Restaurant and Katie's Kitchen. The Village includes a number of wonderful entertainment options for the children, including a wheelchair-accessible splash park, an Ice Cream Palace, a wishing well that burps, a dinosaur miniature golf course, and the world's largest and only life-sized version of the beloved children's game Candy Land^®.

"Give Kids the World Village has a great relationship with the Something mAAgic Foundation," said Something mAAgic Foundation Executive Director Todd Fairbanks. "The Village has a great entertainment value and we know the children will enjoy their weeklong stay. We're so honored to again sponsor such a great celebration for these children and their families and we look forward to providing them with an unforgettable flight and a great week in Orlando." 

Last year, more than 900 employees from around the world gave their time to support mAAgic^SM flight. This year, mAAgic^SM flight is sponsoring children from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain and Trinidad.