Henri and Pamela Landwirth, who founded and operate Give Kids the World, have been selected for the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
Their induction was announced at the opening ceremony of the IAAPA Attractions Expo at Orange County Convention Center on Tuesday morning.
Give Kids the World, based in Kissimmee, is a nonprofit organization that gives free week-long Central vacations to children with life-threatening diseases and their families. The charity was founded in 1986.
“I will work hard for the rest of my life to try to deserve” the honor, Pamela Landwirth told the group. Henri Landwirth was unable to attend because of health concerns.
Also selected for the honor were Richard M. Sherman, a songwriter who created several Disney classics, and Philippe de Villers, founder of Puy du Fou, a French attraction that utilizes theatrics and special effects but no rides.
Sherman, alongside his brother Robert, wrote the lyrics for “It’s a Small World.”
Other Sherman classics include “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room,” “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and “The Best Time of Your Life” for Carousel of Progress, and “One Little Spark” for Journey Into Imagination.
The Shermans won two Academy Awards for their work on “Mary Poppins.” Robert Sherman died in 2012. Richard Sherman was unable to attend because he was in final preparations for a new musical.
The largest convention of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions members, closed to the public, continues through Friday.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5477; Twitter, @ThemeParks
