It’s been a tragic week in Orlando. But signs of healing are spreading throughout the community, from vigils to fundraisers, the city is getting back on its feet. As of two days ago the OneOrlando Fund had raised over $7 million for the victims and… Read More »Swan & Dolphin Resort donates to OneOrlando Fund
Ever since Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed the condolences of the Walt Disney Company to the victims of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, Disney’s social media channels and parks blog have been silent. Today the silence was broken with an announcement that Disney will donate… Read More »Disney breaks social media silence with donation of $1 million to OneOrlando Fund
To celebrate its 60th birthday, the Disneyland Resort has been giving away a million dollars over the course of a year to worthy charities in the Southern California area. Usually the gifts are a surprise and the charity only learns of the donation when the… Read More »Disneyland’s Million Dollar Dazzle Donation to Pacific Marine Mammal Center
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
In 1964, the newly-built Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles was opened to much fanfare. It was the city’s crowning achievement, having lacked a modern concert hall for many years. Walt and Lillian Disney donated a wad of money to the project and were to be given a personal tour of the hall prior to dedication. I was the PR person for the park’s new “ambassador”, Miss Disneyland, and as such escorted her to the pre-dedication event. There was a bevy of Music Center execs there, along with the press, to greet Walt and Lillian and the photogenic Miss Disneyland.
The music director at the time was the young, Indian conductor Zubin Mehta. He was known for his fiery passion and diva-like temperament. Only 26 years old at the time, he was already considered a musical boy genius. To complete the picture, he usually dressed all in black. That, together with his swarthy dark complexion, made quite an impressive and dramatic presentation.Read More »The Park – Walt and Lillian’s Musical Legacy
