Sometimes it is easy to take things for granted as we expect that everyone has the same opportunities. My children, Colt and Brooke, often enjoy going to Wild Adventures in Valdosta, GA and had talked about their fun trips to the 4th and 5th graders at Alachua Learning Center. This is a small Charter school in Alachua that has achieved an ‘A’ rating in addition to having one of the nation’s top cafeterias. Charter schools are run like a private school but funded with public money so the child’s education is free.

Apparently most of the children in the 4th and 5th grade hadn’t traveled much and had never visited an amusement park. Colt and Brooke really wanted to give them a day they would remember. So in the spirit of giving back to the community Colt and Brooke donated tickets to the school to visit Wild Adventures Theme Park; there was only one problem, how do you get 50 something kids to Valdosta GA! A school bus was not available and not enough parents were available to drive. This really was a terrible situation, to have the tickets but no means to get there. So, when Sander Kaye Kaplan of ‘Candies Limousine’ heard the plight the school was in he offered the use of one of his coaches. Candies Limousine has a large stable full of vehicles available for every occasion from an antique Rolls Royce, a stretch H2 Hummer to a fleet of coaches.

The big day came and the huge coach that seats 56-58 passengers pulled up. As the children got to their seats they noticed that there were several TV monitors on board. Colt and Brooke brought movies for the kids to watch on the 112 mile trip. The journey takes about an hour and a half, straight up I-75.

It was a cold blustery day when the children arrived but this did not deter the children from having the time of their lives. The children ages 9-12 were jumping for joy. Brooke showed several children the rides she liked most and they all got on and screamed their heads off. Then they viewed the wild animals, watched a magic show and enjoyed food donated by Sonic.

There is always so much going on at Wild Adventures, from viewing exotic animals to riding huge roller coasters. The theme park is now under new ownership and will open a new thrill ride this March called the “Rattler” and will host 300 new animals!

New family-friendly entertainment is also on the way with the addition of the popular kid’s characters, Veggie Tales®, to the newly-expanded Kidzpalooza festival. Kidzpalooza will also feature “Ocean Adventures,” a fun and informative show featuring performing sea lions, hands-on sting ray and crab experiences and a shark encounter. Already well-known for booking a wide variety of all-star concerts, Wild Adventures announced ‘Sugarland’, this year’s Country Music Awards top duo, as part of the 2008 line-up. The park will retain 2007 daily admission and regular Passport pricing for the 2008 operating season and has rolled back the price of the Gold Passport.

On the way home I sat on the coach as the children boarded they passed me and thanked me for a fun filled day. It made Colt and Brooke and I feel great to know that along with Candies Limousine and Sonic we were able to spread a little joy. I believe it is important to share your experiences with others whenever possible and it is so gratifying when you look at a child that has tears of enjoyment in their eyes and hear them say, ‘Thanks for this special day”.

Thanks to A Candies Production, Inc and Sonic for making this a day to remember!

A Candies Production, Inc
352 332-4334 or 877 FL CANDIE
www.candieslimo.com

Sonic Americas Drive-In

Wild Adventures
229 219-7080
www.wildadventures.net