Today we celebrate Founder’s Day at Give Kids The World. Thanks in large part to the vision of our founder Henri Landwirth more than 175,000 families have felt the transformative power of the Village experience. In addition to starting Give Kids The World, Henri lived a remarkable life. Here are some things you may not have known about him.
HE WAS HIGHLY DECORATED FOR HIS CHARITABLE WORK
Henri’s actions certainly didn’t go unnoticed during his lifetime. He was named one of the twelve most caring people in America by the Caring Institute, Humanitarian of the Year by Parent Magazine and Floridian of the Year by the Orlando Sentinel.
HE WAS A DOCTOR (An honorary one)
On June 13, 1997, the University of Cincinnati bestowed upon Henri an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters.
HE CARRIED THE OLYMPIC TORCH TWICE
Henri was honored to be invited to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002.
HIS FRIENDS WERE OUT OF THIS WORLD
While managing the Starlite Motel near Cape Canaveral, Henri became friends with the Mercury Seven astronauts including Senator John Glenn and counted them as lifelong friends.
HE WAS BLESSED BY SAINTS
Both Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to the service of the sick, and John Paul II, who was Pope from 1978 to 2005, sent their blessings to Henri.
Do you have a memory of Henri? Share in the comments below.
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