The Game Changers Summit 3 didn’t stop at changing the lives of those in the legal industry. This year, we were ecstatic to partner with Bert’s Big Adventure (BBA), a nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.
Thanks to donations from Summit attendees, as well as 100 percent of the proceeds from all Crisp swag sold at the event, we were able to raise $100,000 for this life-changing cause.
Extraordinary Opportunities
Crisp Founder and CEO Michael Mogill knew BBA was the perfect cause to receive this generous donation, largely because it serves hundreds of children and families — not just one at a time.
The annual trip is particularly special given the trip was unable to be hosted in 2021 during the pandemic. In 2022 BBA plans on taking another group of extra special kids and their entire families to the most magical place on earth for five whole days of laughter, joy, and the chance at living life to the fullest. No hospitals in sight.
Bert Weiss, founder of BBA, is the host of Atlanta’s hit radio program The Bert Show, airing since 2001, with thousands of listeners tuning in every day. In 2003, the show laid the groundwork for the inaugural enchanting trip to Disney for seven families, which has since grown in capacity for number of families and experiences the trip provides.
How Does Bert’s Big Adventure Work?
The children involved in BBA are between 5 and 12 years old, have never been to Disney World, and are diagnosed with chronic or terminal illness or are physically challenged. The families involved don’t have the financial means to afford a trip on their own. In order to qualify, they must live in the radio listening area of the Bert Show and must get excited about meeting Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and the Seven Dwarfs.
The trip serves as an opportunity to build a community of families to lean on one another when they need strength. It provides an opportunity for every child to build lasting friendships with kids in similar situations as themselves and make loving memories.
But it doesn’t stop at a magnificent trip to Disney World. Following the annual trip, BBA provides year-round support through multiple charitable organizations, such as the Family Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program, and more.
The Family Reunion Adventures occurs after the big trip to Disney, and its mission is to further strengthen its established community and friendships. The unique events put on by the Reunion Adventures provide families with opportunities to enjoy more unforgettable experiences and intimate family time — no doctors allowed.
The Fairy Godparent volunteer program supports the organization’s families when a BBA child is admitted to a partner hospital. Volunteers, also known as Fairy Godparents, come to visit the children daily and provide love, laughter, and light during a trying time. BBA has established Fairy Godparent programs in Atlanta, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. with many more cities to follow.
BBA realizes that when a child passes away, organizing a funeral means additional stress and heartache for the family. When this happens, the organization strives to pay the funeral costs for any BBA child in order to support the family as they grieve and focus on eventual healing.
No one ever wants to imagine a child leaving this earth, but the sad reality is that it can and does happen. BBA’s mission is to make the process a little easier when and where they can. While nothing can ever replace the loss itself, the happiness provided makes their time on earth a little brighter.
A Game Changing Cause
We are honored to participate in such a worthy, generous cause that changes lives young and old. We thank the members of Bert’s Big Adventure for everything they do, and we appreciate Bert himself joining us on Day 2 of the Summit.
We are eager to hear about next year’s big adventure, and we can’t wait to see the smiles and hear the stories from all in attendance.
