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community relations

Disneyland gives half-million to Anaheim to plus public parks

While some may complain that Disneyland, with its fireworks and heavy traffic, isn’t a real community player in Anaheim. But when you consider the taxes they generate and the donations they make to local non-profits and schools, there’s little doubt to the company’s commitment. Then… Read More »Disneyland gives half-million to Anaheim to plus public parks

Disney World Engineers Help Students Win STEM Prize

disney-student-engineers

Disney’s Community involvement results in a ton of great stories. It’s always been my pleasure to share how support from The Mouse is helping an endangered species, cleaning the environment, or helping a non-profit. Today’s story focuses on Disney’s efforts to promote the the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Students coached by Disney engineers took home the top honors from the 14th annual College Bowl during the HENAAC conference in New Orleans. One highlight from the annual conference held by Great Minds in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) was the team’s creation of a fantastical magic carpet model designed during a timed challenge.

Great Minds in STEM hosts the HENAAC College Bowl each year to encourage and recognize a new generation of STEM talent and help create a diverse workforce. The conference includes seminars, networking, internship and recruitment opportunities for attendees.Read More »Disney World Engineers Help Students Win STEM Prize

Disney VoluntEARS clean up Florida Coast

Since 1971 Walt Disney World has been a large part of Central Florida tourism. The influence expanded to the coast when the Disney Cruise Line settled in. So it’s nice to see Disney and its cast members giving back to the community with a coastal cleanup project.

VoluntEARS from Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line demonstrated their commitment to local environmental and conservation efforts today, as they teamed with friends, family and community partners to clear more than 250 pounds of trash along the Brevard coastline near the homeport of Disney Cruise Line.

Joining with members from Keep Brevard Beautiful, the United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority, this volunteer effort aims to help improve the health of the ocean and waterways.Read More »Disney VoluntEARS clean up Florida Coast

Central Florida Shine On Grants

Disney World Offering Grants to Central Florida Nonprofits

I worked at a national non-profit located in Central Florida that received millions of dollars in grants and in-kind support from Walt Disney World. It’s cast members were also some of the most generous with their volunteer time. But it’s not just the large non-profits… Read More »Disney World Offering Grants to Central Florida Nonprofits

Disney World Donates Green and Greens to Second Harvest

The winter holidays are typically the toughest times for food banks and this year the demand is higher than ever. So it’s great to see Walt Disney World and its cast step up to make a big donation and a pledge of continued support to one of the great food banks here in Central Florida. Yesterday, Minnie Mouse joined Disney VoluntEARS to deliver bushels of green to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in the form of a $500,000 gift for the organization’s expansion. Disney also pledged 20,000 pounds of fresh produce during the next year as part of the commitment.

The gift was part of Disney’s efforts to support organizations and programs that make a positive impact on children in the local community and will fund Second Harvest’s “Building Solutions to Hunger” capital campaign. The cash contribution will help the organization build a larger facility so it can accept and distribute significantly more food and reach more Central Floridians in need.

“We’re confident the new facility will help Second Harvest reach even more neighbors in need,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Our goal is to help bring an end to hunger in this community, and we are proud to join with other generous donors to bring this new facility to life,”

Read More »Disney World Donates Green and Greens to Second Harvest

Jan Stratton, Universal and Orlando has lost a star

The community of Orlando has lost one of its real stars. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Jan Stratton was pronounced dead at ORMC tonight. My heart felt condolences go out to her husband Jack Cudworth and their children. Stratton was Vice President of Community and… Read More »Jan Stratton, Universal and Orlando has lost a star