FORE! 22nd Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament Scores at IAAPA

Kissimmee, Florida (IAAPA News) - It’s a Sunday morning tradition of IAAPA Expo week: networking at sunrise for a good cause. Again in 2025, more than 130 IAAPA Expo attendees got a jump start on their week in Orlando by gathering early Sunday for the 22nd Annual IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Give Kids The World. 

Clair Hain, president of Great Coasters International (GCI) is proud to be the lead sponsor of the event for more than five years, he says  Although not a golfer, Hain recalls the first year he sponsored the event proved to be so much fun, that he immediately stepped up for another year—and has continued ever since. “Giving the kids the money is what I’m there for,”  says Hain.

Walt Bowser, president and CEO at Baynum Solutions, spent Sunday morning participating in the tournament and actively took a role in fundraising during registration, encouraging other participants to purchase Golden Tickets at $50 each, entitling them to various benefits on the course including one air cannon shot.

“It’s the industry, the people, and the love of Give Kids The World,” says Bowser an enthusiastic supporter of the event, which he oversees with Sasha Czibulka of Intamin; Chloe Hausfeld of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA); Jeff Hudson of HB Leisure; and Andrew Mowatt of WhiteWater.

Caroline Schumacher, president and CEO of Give Kids The World praised the relationship between the two organizations.  “We have so much presence in the Village from IAAPA members,” she says. “(In) every little corner of the Village you turn and find there’s a presence of an IAAPA member—whether it’s the carousel or the accessible attractions.” 

According to Schumaker, the tournament will raise between $80,000 and $100,000 to support to the more than 7,000 wish familiesfrom around the globe that will visit the resort this year. Give Kids The World provides cost-free vacations to a child with a critical illness and their family who wish to visit Orlando’s beloved attractions. The week away from hospital stays and doctor visits can renew a family’s drive and provide a sense of hope. 

IAAPA Chair Massimiliano Freddi says the tournament is one way for IAAPA to give back.  “IAAPA is a community of communities, and it is a great way to give back to one of our communities, a community that we deeply love, he says.