Originally posted Sunday, February 23, 2020 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Atlanta's Lil Nas X joined Bert's Big Adventure Saturday night to sing and entertain the 13 chronic and terminally ill kids at a Disney hotel Saturday night.
The "Old Town Road" singer also popped into a wedding in the same hotel and got some TMZ love.
"Wouldn't ya know that's the thing that gets publicity," mused Bert Weiss by text Sunday morning. "Lol. He was actually in our green room ready to perform for the kids. He had a few extra minutes and popped into their wedding before he performed."
Weiss said his group simply asked Lil Nas X for his availability and was pleasantly surprised he said yes.
The Bert’s Big Adventure social media team wrote: “Lil Nas X surprised us at our dance party! The kiddos promptly lost their minds, and everyone was on their feet and singing along while the rapper performed his record-breaking hit, ‘Old Town Road.’ He was so kind and thoughtful – arriving with an autographed hat for each kiddo to wear during his performance. In addition, he graciously posed for so many photos and commemorated the evening by having the Bert’s Big Adventure kiddos and siblings sign his hat too! It was an experience to last a lifetime!”
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This is just one more feather in the cap for Weiss’ organization, which he started soon after he joined Q100 in 2001.
Inspired by his mentor Kidd Kraddock, the morning radio host brings the kids to Disney World for a whirlwind trip. This year, he was able to bring in 13 families from around the country.
“It changes every year because the families are different,” Weiss said.
Some received bonus gifts as well. BBA is paying for a stepdad to adopt his four-year-old child. They are giving a child VIP treatment at a Falcons game in a $6,000 suite. They also introduced the stem cell donor who saved a kid’s life.
Credit: The Van Winkle family is part of Bert's Big Adventure 2020. CR: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
Credit: The Van Winkle family is part of Bert's Big Adventure 2020. CR: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
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Bethany and George Van Winkle of Cumming have a nine-year-old Sam with Down's Syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Sam has had two surgeries and appears to be on his way to a healthy life.
The family was saving money for a Disney trip but then Bethany had breast cancer and all the savings disappeared. (She is in remission). Bert’s Big Adventure solved that problem and gave Bethany and George a bonus trip to the Bahamas as well.
“This Disney trip will enable us to be present,” Bethany said. “We are always worrying about hours ahead, weeks ahead, about money. Now we have a place to stay, the itinerary is set up for us. There are two doctors on call and a wheelchair for him if he needs it.”
The organization also holds events and programs year around for 200 alum families featuring reunion gatherings and a Fairy Godmother program where volunteers visit kids who are in hospitals.
For many years, Weiss has had a salaried full-time executive director Molly Darby and a raft of loyal sponsors such as Carter's, Moe's and Jersey Mike's. Endeavor Air flies the kids gratis to Orlando.
The most recent 990 available on GuideStar for Bert’s Big Adventure shows his organization raised $935,661 in 2017, up from $811,469 a year earlier. Based on the financials, it appears to be a very healthy organization.
Here are some more photos from the kickoff party from both the Hilton Airport and the hangar where the Endeavor plane departed.
Credit: "It's the most fun day ever," said Barbara Yantz (left), who dresses as Jasmine.
Credit: "It's the most fun day ever," said Barbara Yantz (left), who dresses as Jasmine.
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Credit: CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com The Bert Show entering the Delta hangar to take an Endeavor flight to Disney for Bert's Big Adventure Feb. 20, 2020.
Credit: CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com The Bert Show entering the Delta hangar to take an Endeavor flight to Disney for Bert's Big Adventure Feb. 20, 2020.
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Credit: Jaron Matthews (Genie) and Barbara Yantz (Jasmine) volunteered to wish the BBA participants off Feb. 20, 2020. CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Credit: Jaron Matthews (Genie) and Barbara Yantz (Jasmine) volunteered to wish the BBA participants off Feb. 20, 2020. CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Credit: Endeavor volunteers and costumed characters wish the kids off. CR: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
Credit: Endeavor volunteers and costumed characters wish the kids off. CR: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
Credit: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com. Kade is one of the BBA participants this year.
Credit: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com. Kade is one of the BBA participants this year.
Credit: CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com. Bert Weiss at the BBA kickoff.
Credit: CR: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com. Bert Weiss at the BBA kickoff.
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