When Give Kids The World began in 1986, it was a modest organization that operated out of the Holiday Inn, run by local hotelier Henri Landwirth. Inspired by Henri's infectious spirit and passion for his new nonprofit, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the parent company of Holiday Inn, became one of the very first Heroes to help Give Kids The World grow from dream to reality. For the past 20 years, IHG has raised over $6 million for the Village through creative promotions, grassroots fundraisers, in-kind donations, workplace giving and coordinating special events all over the world.

Over the years, IHG has created many unique ways to be an active, fundraising partner with the Village. To help raise awareness on a national level, Holiday Inn declared "Towel Amnesty Day" on August 28, 2003. Guests, both current and past, were invited to share their individual stories about the borrowed Holiday Inn towels for an opportunity to contribute to Give Kids The World. With an over-whelming response from thousands across America and around the world, each story about a towel meant another dollar donated to the Village. Published in October 2004, the book, "About the Towels, We Forgive You," generated additional funds for the Village the purchase of each book.

Today, IHG's support continues, especially through Staybridge Suites, one of the company's hotel brands. Celebrating their 100th hotel milestone, Staybridge Suites opened their hearts by adopting four new Villas in the Village's Fairy Tale Forest. Staybridge hotels offer suites with living areas, bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and more – just like the Villas our Wish families enjoy. Staybridge Suites choose GKTW as their preferred charity in 2006, and since that time, has actively communicated the special story about the Village to their guests and their marketing partners, as well as hold fundraisers throughout the year at various hotel sites.

Recently, IAHI, the International Association of Holiday Inn, the Owners' Association of IHG, committed to funding $1.7 million towards the Village's new water-park style pool. The intricately designed aqua recreational area will allow children of all abilities to enjoy the beach-style zero-depth entry enjoy "dive-in" movies while swimming and experience unique entertainment from the performance stage themed as a "schooner"-style ship. Children will also enjoy splashing around in the interactive water garden and splash pad. This future harbor of happiness will also feature a magical Sand Castle, complete with a grill and family locker rooms and restrooms.

As IHG has grown to be the hotel group with the world's largest number of rooms, the company's love and dedication for the Village has continued to blossom. IHG's desire to help our families spend time together at the Village is but one of the reasons they are one of our treasured Heroes.