Courtney Bixby
Bert’s Big Adventure is a non-profit organization founded by Bert Weiss in 2002. The organization takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses between ages 5-12 to Walt Disney World for five days. The trip is an all expenses paid trip and includes the whole family. The trip began taking seven families, but now has grown to be able to take 12-15 due to community donations and partnerships. Throughout the trip the kids will have limos, chartered flights, princess makeovers and much more.
Bert Weiss is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show called The Bert Show. It plays on Atlanta Q99.7 on weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. The show allows for a national platform to encourage listeners to donate to the non-profit providing kids who have never been to Walt Disney World an amazing five day experience.
To date, Bert’s Big Adventure has served 173 kids and their families. Families can fill out an application if they have never been to Disney, if they are in the listening range of The Bert Show, and if they meet the age and financial qualifications. Bert’s Big Adventure is dedicated to taking families that have day to day struggles and otherwise would not be able to take this trip of a lifetime. A nomination is also accepted for friends or family who want to nominate someone they are very close with.
“Seeing all the beautiful children who have been through so much get a trip like this is such a warm feeling,” said Amber Jones, a producer on The Bert Show. “On the day they left, they had absolutely no worries which is a feeling they never have.”
There are several fundraising events held annually for the community to meet and get to know the kids selected each year. One of the biggest events is the Noon to Night Fashion Show. The fashion show just celebrated its tenth anniversary.
The show is held at Avalon in Atlanta and the selected children have full makeovers so they can walk the runway and show off their looks. In 2024, the fashion show raised $100,000 because of donations and their silent auction. Atlanta celebrities and the Bert’s Big Adventure staff walk with the kids down the runway making each one feel like their own celebrity.
Bert’s Big Adventure runs several programs throughout the year including the annual Disney trip. They also host several reunion events for any family that has been on the trip since the very beginning leading to a wee connected Bert’s Big Adventure community that supports every family.
Bert’s Big Adventure is always looking for volunteers and individuals who want to get involved. Individuals can volunteer locally with the program, become a digital sidekick sharing and reposting information about the program or accept donations on behalf of Bert’s Big Adventure. The Fairy Godparent program is accepting applications for anyone over 21 that can volunteer for a year minimum. The nonprofit has an amazon wishlist each year, as well as the opportunity to host a fundraising event.
To locate events near you or to donate please visit the Bert’s Big Adventure website at https://bertsbigadventure.org