While guests nosh on Cheeseburgers in Paradise and lounge by the pool with Boat Drinks, a stop into The Margaritaville Store offers an opportunity to shop for gifts — and to Give Kids The World.
GKTW is a whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida, that treats critically ill children and their families to free weeklong vacations at a storybook-themed wonderland. And it’s is part of Margaritaville’s Singing for Change initiative.
At The Margaritaville Store, there are many ways for guests to support the nonprofit. Most recently, the store rolled out keepsake pins, designed in conjunction with vendor Impulse Souvenirs and GKTW. Retail Store Manager William Hill says the collectibles are a token of gratitude for giving to GKTW and a valuable conversation starter among resort guests.
“During the course of one or two months, we can house one wish family at Give Kids The World Village just by customers rounding up.” — William Hill
Associates also wear the pins on their name tag lanyards, explaining the cause and growing awareness.
“Margaritaville is all about creating and delivering fun and escapism, which is what GKTW does every day for wish families who visit, so it has been a natural partnership from the start,” adds Amanda Sykes, head of Margaritaville Cares.
Singing for change
The Margaritaville Store and the resort’s portfolio of locations by parent company Davidson Hospitality Group is a longtime GKTW partner. The store regularly rolls out what the company calls Singing for Change give-back opportunities to support the cause. Those include offering T-shirts that read Quietly Making Noise that benefit GKTW, along with its Coconuts of Hope campaign.
“For a dollar donation, guests fill out a paper coconut and hang it on the palm tree in front of our store,” explains Hill.
Also, the store’s Breakfast with Santa event includes speakers from GKTW, and guests can buy a toy in the store to donate, along with paying $5 for gift wrapping.
Plus, Rounding Up for Change to support GKTW at the register generates funds. Hill says, “During the course of one or two months, we can house one wish family at Give Kids The World Village just by customers rounding up.”
Sykes adds, “The resort’s support of GKTW makes waves of positive impact.”
Starfish Awards recognize retail stores in our industry that are making a difference through
charitable donations and efforts. Is your store worthy of an award? We’d love to hear from you! Complete an entry form at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.
