Ever wonder where the coins you toss into Disney World’s many fountains and wishing wells end up? They become donations to Central Florida nonprofit organizations that help children in need. A few of the fountains are dedicated to a specific organization, Give Kids The World,… Read More »How your ‘wishes’ become dreams come true for children
If you’re a long time fan of Disney’s Contemporary Resort you probably have been wondering what happened to all that fascinating modern art the original design team installed throughout the hotel and grounds? Well, wonder no longer. Walt Disney World Resort recently donated 52 pieces… Read More »Art from Disney’s Contemporary Art Donated to Local Nonprofit
The public hasn’t seen one inch of footage from the new Star Wars film, but already I’m impressed with JJ Abrams’ vision. If he’s able to be such a good steward of the Star Wars brand via projects like Star Wars: Force for Change, then I feel a lot better about trusting him with the entire legacy of the series.
Turns out Star Wars: Force for Change has already raised $4,261,410 USD for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Disney has also committed an additional US $1 million to support the launch of Star Wars: Force for Change. Fan contributions were received via fundraising platform Omaze from citizens of 125 countries and enough money was raised to support the equivalent of 7-8 new UNICEF Innovation Labs.
Here’s the video of the contest winner getting the news:
The grand-prize winner was D.C. Barns of Denver Colorado, who shared during a donor video chat that the first time he saw Star Wars when it opened in theaters in 1977, when he was only five. “I loved it! … I just couldn’t get it out of my head of 35 years.” D.C. was then asked to share his favorite Star Wars moment. As he began to reply, he was suddenly surprised in his Denver office by members of Star Wars: Force for Change team. Once settled, D.C. exclaimed, “This! This is my new favorite Star Wars moment!”
D.C. will enjoy a trip to London for himself and a guest, a behind-the-scenes visit to the Star Wars set, and will be fitted with a costume and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII.
Read More »Star Wars: Force for Change announces winning fan
I’ve watched the first two seasons on ABC’s cooking competition show The Taste. It is a unique concept that they definitely improved upon in the second season. Auditions for season 3 are now underway. You don’t have to be a professional chef, you just have… Read More »Your Pro or Home Cooking Skills Are Wanted
Disney fans in and around New York City on April 18th, can enjoy some Disney music, have a great time, and help support a great cause down in Greenwich Village. The Disney Cover-Band The Little Mermen head the line up at Webster Hall with proceeds… Read More »New York City Charity Benefit Featuring The Little Mermen
Big news for Central Florida non-profits, Walt Disney World has awarded $3.8 million in Disney Grants to dozens of community groups that will positively impact the lives of more than 85,000 children in the coming year. Here’s a little secret. As cool as that is,… Read More »Disney World awards $3.8 Million in Grants to Positively Impact Central Florida children
Disney’s cast members are known for their excellent guest service, but did you know they also donate a significant amount of time and money via the VoluntEARs program. The holiday season VoluntEARs brings extra cheer to Central Florida non-profits with more than 36,000 new toys for Central Florida children, a $30,000 gift to Community Hope Center to help homeless families in Osceola County and countless other efforts across the community. These actions reflect Disney’s ongoing support to help local organizations that aim to brighten the lives of children and families.
During this past month, Cast Members have collected and donated thousands of new toys, games, books and plush dolls to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to benefit children in Orange and Seminole counties. In addition to collecting toys, Disney VoluntEARS have also given more than 6,000 hours to help the Marines register families for the annual giving campaign and sort and pack the toys.
“Through these combined efforts, we hope thousands of children in Central Florida will be surprised by at least one present during the holidays,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “We also hope that by giving their own time, Cast Members will inspire their children, family members and friends to remember kids of all ages during this season of sharing.”
The annual toy drive’s national campaign also received $200,000 from The Walt Disney Company as part of Disney’s long-standing support to the organization—which dates back to 1947 when Walt Disney designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still used today.Read More »Disney VoluntEARS Deliver 36,000 Toys to Toys for Tots Charity
Long time readers of The Disney Blog may remember that I worked at Give Kids The World from 2005 to 2009. As you might expect, it was rewarding work making once in a lifetime dreams come true for children. Unfortunately, life-threatening illnesses don’t go away when the economy tanks and the need for GKTW Village remains.
Last week, I was invited back to tour the village as part of Blogger Bash 2013. A group of about 50 bloggers, some coming in from other states, were able to see many of the resort’s features and experience a little of what the GKTW’s many thousands of volunteers provide on a daily basis.
The families that visit Give Kids The World are given the chance to escape from the troubles & treatments that surround them as they face the challenge of overcoming a life threatening illness in one of their children. A stay at GKTW Village is free for the family and includes tickets to Central Florida’s best attractions, meals at the Village, and so much more.Read More »Give Kids The World Invites Bloggers for Tour