Keeping the charitable spirit alive year-around, Disney works in tandem with more than 100 local non-profit organizations to make dreams come true throughout Central Florida. As the New Year approaches, charities that share Disney’s commitment to building a better future for local families and children… Read More »Disney World wants Child Charities to Shine
If you’re in the Disneyland neighborhood this Friday, you can make a difference in the life of a child and help honor one of Disneyland’s true legends. The Innocence Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse, has announced its inaugural… Read More »The Innocence Mission honors Jack Lindquist, former Disneyland President
When you work at a Disney theme park you don’t have to look far for a chance to make a difference in the community as well. This year Disneyland Resort Cast Members are shedding pounds, making healthier choices and feeding the hungry in Orange County this summer, all as part of the Disneyland Resort Weight Loss Challenge for Charity. The Resort is partnering with the Orange County Food Bank to administer the challenge, during which a pound of food will be donated for every pound lost by a Cast Member.
The Challenge launched this week, with official weigh-in locations throughout the Resort confidentially recording the starting weight of participating Cast Members. Midway through the Challenge, there will be an additional official weigh-in for tracking progress. The program will culminate with final results being recorded during the week of September 14. As an extra benefit, one additional pound of food will be donated to the Food Bank for every participant who enrolls in the Challenge.
“The Weight Loss Challenge is a great opportunity for our Cast Members to do something positive for themselves and for others,” said Kristin Nolt Wingard, senior vice president, public affairs and an executive champion for health and wellness at Disneyland Resort. “While we lose, the Orange County Food Bank wins.”
Read More »Disneyland Resort Cast Members Slim Down for a Cause
As the areas largest employer Walt Disney World should be expected to contribute back to the community. In many ways the company and its employees go beyond the call of duty and 2008 was no exception. From serving meals to the homeless to coaching Little League, Disney VoluntEARS dedicated a record 204,000 hours in 2008 toward improving the lives of Central Floridians.
This month, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating and recognizing these efforts by donating nearly $950,000 to local non-profit organizations supported by Disney VoluntEARS.
“The dedication of our Disney VoluntEARS is absolutely inspiring and is truly making a difference,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “I’m extremely proud that our Cast Members make Central Florida a better place for everyone. Their contributions are helping our community during a time when it’s needed most.”
Read More »Disney VoluntEARS Raise $950,000 for Central Florida Non-Profits
One of the amazing aspects of Walt Disney World is all the amazing talent the cast members have. Not just those who audition for roles in the stage shows, but also front line cast members who are great performers in their own right. Encore! Cast… Read More »In Encore!, Disney World Cast Members Perform for Good Cause
Those of us of a certain age undoubtedly remember the tragedy, the incredible public outpouring of grief, and the immense sadness that surrounded the loss of Princess Diana in 1997. Personally, there is still a hole in my heart where her tremendous spirit of humanity once existed. I still have a set of video tapes from when I recorded her funeral and procession. Just thinking of it brings back memories of millions of flowers, to the point where flower shops were sold out nationwide, laid in her honor.
It has just been announced that the People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PPCF) is bringing “DIANA–The People’s Princess” – a major new exhibit of royal artifacts – to Walt Disney World Resort. Opening in early July 2009, this limited-time experience showcases the life and story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, including a sampling of the royal dresses Diana chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life.
“DIANA–The People’s Princess” exhibit will be held in the 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney West Side adjacent to DisneyQuest that formerly housed the giant record store. This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience which provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.
“We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney guests,” said Kevin Lansberry, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We remain committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at the Walt Disney World Resort.”
“The late Princess used her globally renowned platform brilliantly,” commented Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of PPCF. “She understood that the many different experiences she had in her life, both positive and negative, made her more relatable to the public. She used this quality to connect to the common masses and in doing so became known as ‘The People’s Princess.’ She used her compassion to bring support to all those in need and is still to this date, almost 12 years after her tragic passing, regarded as one of the most influential humanitarians of all time.”
A hint at some of the items on display:
Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit – $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will run through Nov. 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. I hope you’ll join me there.
Read More »“Diana – The People’s Princess” exhibit coming to Downtown Disney Orlando
Stars from around the world designed their own Mickey Mouse Ears to welcome a new celebration to Disneyland Paris. The new year-long celebration, Mickey’s Magical Party, just kicked off with a huge event. Celebrities will be bringing their ears back to be used for charity… Read More »Celebrities Design Mickey Mouse Ears for Charity
Disneyland resort Cast Members slid on their dancing shoes and combined team building and talent through Flashback, an annual production that brings together diverse groups of Cast Members to raise money for a local charity. This year’s recipient is the Santa Ana Zoo. Held Feb.… Read More »Disneyland Cast Members Flashback, Giveback