Send-Off Celebration
The energy was electric as Bert and Kristin reunited on-air at Q99.7 Atlanta for the 2026 Bert’s Big Adventure Send-Off Party! Broadcasting live from the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel, this beloved annual tradition was filled with laughter, happy tears, and BIG surprises for our families.
From the moment families walked in, joy filled every corner of the celebration. Holland Muscio from Balloonacy transformed the space with stunning balloon creations, while the Georgia Amusement & Music Operators Association (GAMOA) brought the ultimate Kids’ Zone, complete with games, activities, and even an obstacle course bounce house! Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck kept everyone caffeinated with specialty creations, and Button It Up Photobooth returned to capture magical memories all morning long.
The Hapeville Fire Department rolled in with lights flashing, giving our kiddos VIP rides up front, because every one of them deserves the hero treatment.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The Bert’s Big Adventure Broadcast kicked off with a heartfelt blast from the past from a 2025 family. Precious Liam J. and Isaac R. joined us on-air with his family to share how Bert’s Big Adventure has continued to shine light and joy into their lives long after their Disney trip ended. Once you’re part of this community, you’re family forever.
Next, Hailey B., who went on the 2014 trip, shared her incredible full-circle moment. Now a freshman in college studying to become an oncology nurse, she recently made the Dean’s List! Her story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact this adventure can have.
Jennifer B. first experienced the magic of Walt Disney World with Bert’s Big Adventure back in 2007, and now, in 2026, she’s celebrating another unforgettable milestone: closing on her very first home.
And then… it was time for surprises.
Surprise: VIP Barbie Dream Fest
Kendell, a fierce Cerebral Palsy and Sickle Cell Disease warrior, is a true fashionista at heart. She loves designing Barbie outfits and dreams of creating dolls that look like her, fabulous wheelchair and all.
So when Mattel invited Kendell and her family to be VIP guests at the first-ever Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale, the room erupted! This three-day celebration of creativity, music, and fashion will be fully covered, flights, hotel, and spending money included. Because every child deserves to see themselves reflected in their dreams.
Surprise: Gunner’s Outdoor Adventure
Gunner has adventure in his veins, so we surprised him with an unforgettable 3-day escape to Silver Sands Resort in Michigan, complete with thrilling dune rides, hands-on farm and zoo visits, sandy beach days, and splash-filled water fun.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! A professional crew from Third Eye Creative Productions will be filming the entire trip, turning it into a YouTube-style adventure episode starring Gunner himself as the ultimate outdoor explorer.
And one more surprise… when our friend John from the YouTube channel WoodsBound Outdoors heard about Gunner’s big adventure, he couldn’t wait to jump in! He shared expert tips and tricks to help Gunner create the best outdoor YouTube content possible.
Surprise: Ayden’s Art Exhibition
Ayden, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, has poured his heart into art through every challenge. So Natali Johnson and the High Museum of Art surprised him with his very own art exhibition in Midtown Atlanta.
His drawings and paintings will be showcased in a special installation, complete with an opening night celebration for 70 friends and family members, a red carpet, refreshments, and a glamorous evening honoring his creativity.
Surprise: Bruno Mars Front Row
Brooke bravely battled B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and showed unwavering courage through years of treatments. To celebrate her strength, Carley Stephens and Gas South surprised her with front-row tickets to see Bruno Mars at Bobby Dodd Stadium this April!
Round-trip transportation on the Fur Bus? Included. An unforgettable night of music and magic? Absolutely guaranteed.
Surprise: A Restorative Gift for Mom
Beth, a devoted mother of five, has spent years navigating the medical journeys of Manny and Lani while holding her household together with grace and strength. So we turned the spotlight on her. Shelby Taylor Kolb from Barnsley Resort gifted Beth a restorative getaway to their 3,000-acre sanctuary, complete with spa treatments, fine dining, and peaceful cottage accommodations. Raquel Souza from Sweet Peach Wax & Sugaring Studio added $5,000 in home support: grocery delivery and professional housecleaning.
Missed the Broadcast?
Catch all the magic on The Bert Show Podcast, streaming now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
And Then… We We Were Off to Disney!
We arrived at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the most heartwarming welcome! Our families were greeted with a celebration tunnel that stretched all the way to the gate, setting the tone for pure joy.
The incredible Endeavor Air team chanted the names of all 12 amazing kiddos, created custom signs, and surprised each child with delicious sugary treats and extra-special goodies. It was the sweetest sendoff imaginable! As we taxied to the runway, we were honored with a spectacular water salute, sending our families off in the most unforgettable style.
That evening, families arrived at Walt Disney World and checked into Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for some much-needed rest before our first official night together.
Dinner was served in a beautiful ballroom featuring Braised Beef Brisket, Barbeque Spiced Chicken, White Cheddar Baked Mac and Cheese, Brown Butter Apple Tart, S’mores Cereal Treats, Mickey Crisped Rice Treats, and more.
Just when everyone thought the night couldn’t get sweeter… the DJ cranked up the music for a surprise dance party! And then the ultimate shocker! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto made their grand entrance. The kiddos lit up as they received custom autograph books to collect signatures from their besties forever.
A HUGE thank you to so many of our amazing vendors and sponsors for making this day so special for everyone! Q99.7 Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel, GA Garrison 501st, Southern Belle Character Company, Jumptastic, Unique Event Elements, In Concert Promotions “ICP”, and many more!
Another huge thank you to our photographers, Amanda W. Coker, Cassandra Young Photography, Monarch Studio, and Sarah Esther Photography. Thank you to Aslyn Baringer Productions and Salt Run Creative for capturing these magical moments on video!
Help Us Create More Magic
As we begin this once-in-a-lifetime journey, we invite you to join us. Through The Little Give, just $5 can create meaningful moments for a precious child who needs them most.
Now through February 28th, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Zaxbys! That’s double the magic, double the joy, and double the love.
There’s still time to donate and be part of the magic.
