When most families plan their visit to Give Kids The World Village, they excitedly schedule their weeklong agenda and try their best to pack for Florida’s weather. But for one family, vacation prep involved a bit more.

Fifteen-year-old wish kid Makenzie and her family didn’t just want to visit the Village, they wanted to do whatever they could to help more families experience the excitement they were feeling for their trip. So, when they arrived for their vacation, they brought with them something incredible: Donations they raised for Give Kids The World!

“Our family, alongside Unity in the Community, hosted a carnival fundraiser at our local Haymarket Square,” said wish mom Rachel. “We had a local band volunteer their afternoon to come and play, carnival games, raffle prizes, and a 50/50 drawing.”

Makenzie’s family ultimately raised over $3,000 for Give Kids The World!

“Makenzie wanted to pay it forward and help other kids that may want to stay at the Village,” said Rachel.

Their trip was made possible by Make-A-Wish Missouri, and while Makenzie was visiting, she enjoyed ice cream, the nightly parties, and the pool. She even got to meet her favorite yellow guy: SpongeBob Squarepants! Thanks to their hard work, more families just like theirs get to enjoy these activities and more!

If you want to give back to Give Kids The World through your own fundraiser, click here.