Henri Landwirth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henri Landwirth
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| Born | March 7, 1927 Antwerp, Belgium
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| Died | April 16, 2018 (aged 91) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
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| Occupation | hotelier, philanthropist |
| Known for | founder of Give Kids the World, Holocaust survivor |
Henri Landwirth (born March 7, 1927 – died April 16, 2018) was a kind-hearted hotel owner and a philanthropist. He was also a survivor of the Holocaust. Henri Landwirth is best known for starting Give Kids The World, a special place for children with serious illnesses. He also founded Dignity U Wear.
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Henri Landwirth's Early Life
Henri Landwirth was born in 1927 in Antwerp, a city in northern Belgium. His family was Jewish, and his father worked as a diamond-cutter.
Surviving World War II
During World War II, Henri's life changed forever. When he was just 13 years old, he and his family were separated. Henri spent five years, from age 13 to 18, as a prisoner in Nazi camps. These included very harsh places like Auschwitz and Mauthausen. Sadly, both of his parents died in these camps. However, Henri and his twin sister, Margot, were able to survive. After the war ended, Henri bravely made his way to America.
Building a Career in Hotels
After arriving in America, Henri Landwirth was drafted into the army during the Korean War. When he finished his service, he used a program called the G.I. Bill. This helped him take a course in hotel management. While studying, he worked at the Wellington Hotel in New York City.
From New York to Florida
Henri first worked in New York City. Then, in 1954, he moved to Florida and became the manager of the Starlite Motel in Cocoa Beach. He worked hard and in 1969, he opened his own Holiday Inn hotel in Orlando. Over time, Henri Landwirth became a co-owner of several hotels in Central Florida. One of these hotels is now known as the Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East.
Founding Give Kids The World
In the 1980s, Henri Landwirth started using his hotels to help others. He began offering free hotel rooms to children with very serious illnesses. These children were often part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps grant wishes for sick kids.
A Promise to Help
One day, a child he was trying to help passed away before the travel plans could be completed. This deeply saddened Henri. He made a strong promise to himself: "no child in need would ever be failed again." Because of this promise, in 1986, Henri Landwirth created Give Kids The World.
What Give Kids The World Does
Give Kids The World is a special non-profit resort. It provides amazing, free vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families. It's a place where kids can forget about their sickness for a while and just have fun.
Henri Landwirth's Legacy
Henri Landwirth shared his life story in a book called Gift of Life, which he wrote in 1996. A movie called Borrowing Time was made in 2006. This film followed Henri as he thought about his past experiences. It also featured people who knew him, including famous astronaut John Glenn.
Henri Landwirth passed away on April 16, 2018, when he was 91 years old. His work continues to bring joy and hope to many families.
