Dora the Explorer delivered special backpacks and read a story to children at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in celebration of her 10^th anniversary on August 14th.  The backpacks have been specially designed for Nickelodeon’s Beyond the Backpack Campaign, an initiative aimed at teaching parents all about the importance of preparing their children for kindergarten.

Dora the Explorer makes her Orlando home at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, the only hotel of its kind in the world.  To celebrate her 10^th Anniversary, Dora the Explorer will visit the children, sign autographs, read and deliver backpacks to children at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.  In addition to the celebratory visit to the hospital, Dora will also receive a special gift from the City of Orlando.  A proclamation will be given to Dora the Explorer declaring August 14^th Dora the Explorer Day in the City of Orlando.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is a sanctuary of hope and healing. The most advanced technology, coupled with compassion and dedication have made Arnold Palmer Hospital one of the most trusted names in children’s healthcare worldwide. Careful attention has been paid to creating a cheerful, comforting environment to minimize stress and generate smiles. Arnold Palmer Hospital is a 158-bed pediatric hospital facility located in Orlando, Florida, United States.

Family-friendly Resort Makes Donation to Foundation and Offers Rock-Bottom Rates to Community Heroes

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 17, 2010) – Nickelodeon Suites Resort has raised more than $4,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through the Hero Appreciation program, delivering 2% of each accommodations rate to the foundation, and is aiming to increase that donation to $10,000 by the end of 2010.

“Through our Hero Appreciation package, we would love to exceed the $10,000 mark to help families and other survivors of fallen fire heroes,” said Jim Struna, director of marketing and revenue management for Nickelodeon Suites Resort.

Now through December 23, 2010, the hotel is offering special rates to firefighters starting at $109 per night for a 2-bedroom themed KidSuite and perks like a $20 resort credit, 10% off food and beverages. The Resort will continue to donate 2% per room night through the end of the year to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.

For more information about the Nick Hotel or the Hero Program, call (877)-NICK-KID and mention the code HERO or visit www.NickHotel.com/hero.

Thanks-A-Lot event, which was held from April to June 2010.  The event is a special retreat for the girls to share one-of-a-kind swaps, meet other troops, and experience the ultimate Nickelodeon getaway.

“Nickelodeon Suites Resort is proud to be affiliated with an organization that is dedicated to developing skills for future success,” said Jim Struna, Director of Marketing & Revenue Management at Nickelodeon Suites Resort. “We look forward to seeing them again at the 4^th annual event.”

The Thanks-A-Lot event offers special rates to Girl Scouts and their troops April – June every year. Girl Scouts also experience an exclusive poolside Swap Bash where girls meet peers, trade swaps and enjoy the sweet rewards for their hard work.

For three years, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort has partnered with local councils to support the top literacy program in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program, providing motivational incentives for the top cookie sellers in each council such as slimings and hotel stays.

For more information on Girl Scouts events at the Nick Hotel, visit www.nickhotel.com/girlscouts.

For a video of this year’s event, visit www.youtube.com/nickhotel.
For photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickhotelorlando/.

Connect with Nickelodeon Suites Resort
Follow us on Twitter @nickhotel. Join our Nick Hotel Facebook Fan page. Additional information and photography is available upon request or by visiting Nick Hotel’s online press room.

About Nickelodeon Suites Resort

Located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, otherwise known as the Nick Hotel, is much more than a place for guests to lay their heads at night.  From two over-the-top pool complexes with slides and flumes, to live entertainment and Character Breakfast featuring Nickelodeon’s beloved characters, to a multimillion dollar 4-D Theater, to the colorfully themed KidSuites and gallons upon gallons of slime, Nick Hotel offers nonstop activity from dawn to dusk for the entire family any time of the year.  For more information about the Nick Hotel, visit www.nickhotel.com or call (877) NICK-KID.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B ).

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts’ membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Georgia, to 3.4 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.

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is Nickelodeon’s newest pro-social campaign with the mission of engaging kids to make a difference in the world by moving their bodies, minds, communities, and planet. It connects kids to resources, organizations, information, as well as other kids. To learn more and get involved, visit www.thebighelp.com

Nickelodeon Suites Resort

has joined this mission and is taking on 4 issues that are a prevalent part of kids lives today: The Environment, Health and Wellness, Education and Community. Here you can learn more about what we are doing to help support our community making it a better place to visit and live.

How is Nickelodeon Suites Resort helping BIG?

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort has donated 132 lbs of soap and 70 lbs. shampoo and counting!
  Clean the World is a non-profit charity organization that collects and recycles the partially used soap from hotels, resorts and others sources to donate to impoverished people around the world. By providing soap to those that need it most, Clean the World helps prevent the spread of disease and saves lives. To learn more, visit www.cleantheworld.org
  
  Florida Green Lodging
• The Nickelodeon Suites Resort was recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with a Green Lodging Certification for environmentally friendly hotel practices.
  Nickelodeon Suites Resort achieved its green lodging status by using reusable dining items, encouraging the reuse of bath towels and linens, establishing a volunteer green committee, reimbursing employees for public bus passes and installing energy-efficient lighting throughout the property. Since 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program has set conservational guidelines for the hospitality industry. The state also recommends designated properties like Nick Hotel to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and facilities. For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/. 

     Give Kids The World

• Nickelodeon Suites Resorts characters visit the GKTW Village every Tuesday to help fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. 

• Every holiday season, Nickelodeon Suites Resorts team members decorate a Villa for the visiting families to enjoy.
  Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.
  
  Miami Children’s Hospital
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort partnered with Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation to host 17 kids who survived the Haiti earthquake. 
  Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF) is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH), the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children. For more information, visit www.mchf.org.
   

     Any Soldier Inc

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort raised $1,149 for Any Soldier Inc. and collected more than 100 postcards from guests to send to soldiers overseas in 2009.
  Any Soldier Inc. helps nearly 100,000 American soldiers in all branches of the military, both active duty and reservists, and has become one of the leading efforts in making sure the men and women who have been deployed for the war are cared for, via letters and packages from home. For more information, visit www.anysoldier.com.
  
  National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort donated $1,319.86 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 2010.
  Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Their mission is to honor and remember Americas fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. For more information, visit http://www.firehero.org/.For more about our Hero Appreciation program, please visit www.nickhotel.com/hero. 

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort raised $6,460 in 2009
  The Florida Education Foundation promotes and supports academic excellence for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in Florida. The Foundation recognizes outstanding teachers and educational contributors, develops strategic alliances with business organizations and advances statewide educational initiatives. For more information, visit www.floridaeducationfoundation.org.
  
  Partner in Education
  
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort was named 2009-2010 Partner in Education of the Year from West Creek Elementary School.  

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 25, 2010) – Nickelodeon Suites Resort, the only hotel of its kind in the world, is celebrating its fifth birthday with five new reasons for you to take the Ultimate Nickelodeon Vacation. In celebration of the occasion, the hotel is rolling out these FIVE new interactive attractions:

• New Studio Nick LIVE Shows: Slime Time Live and Sponge Bob’s Krabby Patty Celebration!
• Code 9 Teen Lounge: A hotspot hangout dedicated entirely to teens. It’s a great place to relax, listen to music, play video games and make new friends.
• Splat Pack Dinner: New dining experience in Nicktoons Café. It’s dinner with a side of wacky antics served up by the Splat Pack, our wildly hilarious and one-of-a kind improv group!
• Meet our new residents: Thrill-seeking action girl and SpongeBob’s favorite gal pal, Sandy Cheeks and Nickelodeon’s resident Boy Genius himself, Jimmy Neutron.
• Two new 4-D Movies: Dora & Diego’s 4-D Adventure – A high-speed journey geared towards our little guests and one you can’t see anywhere else in Florida. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie at Happy Feet 4-D.

“Our guests have been a big part of our success over the last five years and we are excited to celebrate our fifth birthday with them,” said Jim Struna, director of marketing and revenue management for Nickelodeon Suites Resort. “Nick Hotel is all about fun and families and we are thrilled to be unveiling these new attractions on property.”

As part of Nick Hotel’s birthday celebration, special Celebrate! Vacation Packages will be available to guests including; a complete in suite celebration including pizza, balloons and of course, cake as well as keepsake lanyards and card inserts to personalize and share their reason to celebrate!

Follow us on Twitter @nickhotel.
Join our Nick Hotel Facebook Fan page.
Additional photography is available upon request or by visiting Nick Hotel on Flickr.

Meanwhile, a gaggle of 17 laughing, splashing Haitian children surround Perlyn, their pied piper. When he heads toward the giant water slide at the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel, the kids – some with scars that bisect their hairlines, one with an amputated arm, others with less obvious wounds – follow.

The kids, who have spent the past five months being treated at Miami Children’s Hospital and living in extended-stay hotels, arrived in Orlando on Wednesday for a treat: their first vacation.

“Today is about stopping being patients and started to be kids again,” said Perlyn, a plastic surgeon who, along with a team of doctors and nurses from Miami Children’s Hospital, was among the first medical teams in Haiti after the nation’s devastating earthquake in January.

There’s cause for celebration. Five months ago, the 17 children arrived in the United States in terrible condition. One had gaping facial wounds infected with maggots; Rebecca developed an infection from a flesh-eating bacteria. Some children had severely broken limbs and doctors discovered another child had undiagnosed leukemia.

On Wednesday, they were just like the other kids at the hotel pool.

“In Haiti, you encounter one obstacle after another,” Perlyn said. “We just wanted one day where the water slide is their biggest obstacle.”

So Perlyn and a team of nurses have brought the children to Orlando – where they will spend two days splashing in pools and heading to Universal Orlando. For the children, whose only experience has been in Haiti or in a hospital and hotel rooms in Miami, the sights are unfathomable.

“I haven’t ever seen anything like it,” said 9-year-old Exais Peterson, looking around at the Nickelodeon pool, where a team of entertainers douses people with green slime – and where Sponge Bob rules over the pool. Asked what he likes most about his vacation, Peterson, through a translator, said, “everything!”

Each child has his or her own devastating experience. Exais – whose family calls him Peterson – was watching television with his cousin when the earthquake hit Port-au-Prince. The ceiling collapsed on them, killing Peterson’s cousin and burying him in mounds of rubble. After four days, neighbors dug Peterson out of the wreckage and took the boy to a nearby convent. There, he was given first aid, then sent home.

Days later, when his mother brought him to the University of Miami’s makeshift field hospital, Perlyn unwrapped the boy’s bandages and discovered hundreds of maggots. “He lost most of his cheek and scalp,” Perlyn said. “His whole body was infected.”

Perlyn operated on him four times in Haiti, then Peterson and his mother were flown to Miami, where he underwent seven more operations.

Today, Peterson’s story has a happy ending. Though his left ear is missing its lower lobe and his cheek looks pockmarked, he is healthy and well. And thrilled to be dashing about in the pool.

The doctors and staff at Miami Children’s Hospital decided that Peterson and his fellow patients deserved a break from their hospital routines and dubbed the two-day trip “The Haiti to Orlando Adventure.”

Each child and a parent or relative, along with a team of hospital staffers, boarded a bus in Miami on Wednesday morning for the trip. Universal Studios donated tickets to the group and the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel provided complimentary rooms. Wal-Mart donated bathing suits for each child and the remaining expenses were paid by donations to the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Yet on this trip, everyone has a chance to think about something other than hospitals.

“For many of them, this is the first time out of their hotel rooms,” said Carolyn Domina, a nurse who first met the patients in Haiti and volunteered to chaperone this trip. “You can see the joy on their faces.”

To see pictures and see the full article please go to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-haiti-orlando-adventure-20100512,0,1428104.story