Disney-Sponsored Football Game Celebrates Diversity and Inspires Youth
posted on September 7th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Spend time watching college football this past weekend? I certainly did (Go NOLES!) as did many fans who welcomed the start of the season.
Here at Walt Disney World Resort and across Orlando, game day spirit was strong with the 7th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, a weekend of events that celebrates teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and culminates with a football game broadcast across the networks of ESPN. This year, Central Florida’s own Bethune-Cookman University from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) had a 63-14 win over Texas’ Prairie View A&M University from the Southwestern Conference (SWAC).
Tens of thousands of fans came to Central Florida to enjoy the game and the numerous festivities surrounding it, ranging from a Legends Reception, held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, to salute HBCU graduates who have achieved legendary status both on and off the gridiron to a special parade showcasing marching bands on Main Street, U.S.A.
View the video to see highlights.
While football certainly plays a part in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, it is more than just a game. Eugene Campbell, vice president of Domestic Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, calls it a celebration of determination and passion that the players possess both on and off the field. It also builds on Disney’s long history of support for diversity and education.
Hundreds of students at Jones High School got to see this first hand with ESPN 101 Career Panel, which kicked off the MEAC/SWAC Weekend and gave local youth an opportunity to hear real-world advice directly from a panel of top sports professionals. Panelists such as ESPN anchor Jay Harris, Olympian Obadele Thompson and others shared their personal stories of sacrifice and dedication as they answered students’ questions about how to reach their own career goals.
Take a look at other ways Disney Parks has reached out to youth in the community:
- Disney Gives Students Back-to-School Support
- Disney VoluntEARS Help Build KaBOOM! Playground in Anaheim
- Surprises Continue as Walt Disney World Gives $1.2 Million Over 40 Days
Disney Gives Students Back-to-School Support
posted on August 22nd, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Busy in back-to-school mode? I certainly have been and so have Walt Disney World Resort cast members. They’ve collected a record 2.1 million school supplies during their annual back-to-school supply drive. The items, ranging from pencils to notebook paper, are classroom essentials that will help thousands of Central Florida students start the school year off right.
Last week, Disney VoluntEARS distributed nearly 14,000 backpacks filled with 1,810,000 million school supplies to 19 schools and community centers throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake counties.
As part of these efforts, VoluntEARS teamed up with S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies to Assist Our Students) of West Orange to welcome families at Meet-the-Teacher events at several local public elementary schools and give out backpacks filled with school supplies. View highlights below.
Additionally, VoluntEARS gave approximately 377,815 school supplies to A Gift For Teaching’s free store so that local teachers can put them to use in their classrooms.
While these new school supplies may seem like a small gesture, they make a world of difference to the students who are receiving them in a time of record need in Central Florida.
Cast Canoe Races Foster Competition and Camaraderie
posted on August 1st, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Extra magic was at play before sunrise at the Magic Kingdom during most of July as hundreds of Disney Cast Members hit the Rivers of America with paddles in hand to partake in some spirited competition.
Canoe Races of the World, or C.R.O.W., is a beloved annual Cast Member event that dates back to 1973 at Walt Disney World and 1963 at Disneyland.
This year, a total of 82 teams (each with 10 members) competed in pre-dawn races.
Amid shouts of “ROW, ROW, ROW,” the teams put their strength behind the oars to earn the fastest times around Tom Sawyer’s Island. The best times clock in at around five minutes. Click the video to see highlights.
This Disney tradition fosters some fierce rivalry, but Cast Members say it’s really all in good fun as it boosts camaraderie among co-workers.
Congratulations to this year’s grand champion, the IE Oars 3, which team captain Scott Hall claims is their first-ever victory.
Disney Cast Members Earmark $686,950 for Central Florida Nonprofits
posted on June 15th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Disney cast members are well-known for providing legendary guest service, which is admirable, but I find their compassionate spirit to be equally impressive. Outside of work, many of my fellow colleagues are making a difference in their communities through the Disney VoluntEARS program.
From coaching Little League to caring for rescued animals, Disney VoluntEARS gave more than 228,000 hours of their time and talents last year for the benefit of everyone in Central Florida.
This month, in recognition of these efforts, The Walt Disney Company is giving a total of $686,950 to the charities and causes that Walt Disney World cast members care about most.
Approximately 887 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS are being honored with EARS to You grants, which are financial contributions of up to $1,000 for the charity of their choice. Disney dollars will go toward 394 local nonprofits representing a wide array of worthy causes. Top recipients include local chapters of the American Cancer Society, Give Kids the World and the SPCA of Central Florida.
In keeping with this idea of gifts that keep on giving, Walt Disney World had some special surprises in store yesterday as it recognized its top VoluntEARS with coveted awards and charitable contributions.
High honors were given to Judy Hughes as 2010 VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney’s Theme Park Merchandise Team as the 2010 VoluntEAR Team of the Year. Both received $2,500 cash donations which they chose to give to the Girls Scouts of Citrus Council and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Check out the video below to see the highlights.
Congratulations Disney VoluntEARS – you rock! Cheers to you who earned EARS to You!
Disney Dreamers and Doers Celebrates 15 Shining Stars
posted on May 17th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Classroom calm quickly erupts into celebration when the world’s most famous mouse stops by for a visit. Yesterday, I had the treat of seeing this play out at several schools in Central Florida as Mickey Mouse and the Walt Disney World prize patrol made the rounds to honor some outstanding local students.
Teachers, school officials, family and friends are in on these magical moments, which recognize, reward and completely surprise students chosen as Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars.
Some have overcome incredible personal challenges. Others have helped family members live better lives. All Shining Stars serve as an inspiration to others and have a compassionate spirit. Click the video to see some special highlights.
Approximately 400 students were chosen as 2011 Disney Dreamers and Doers from applications submitted by elementary, middle and high schools in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties. From those students, a panel of judges selected 15 Shining Stars, which they consider to be the best of the best.
In addition to a visit from Mickey and the prize patrol, Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars receive a Mickey Mouse statue, Walt Disney World annual passes for themselves and their immediate families, a gold medallion and a special day of fun and learning at Walt Disney World on June 18. All Disney Dreamers and Doers receive four theme park tickets, a certificate and a bronze medallion.
Now entering its 28th year, more than 11,500 students have been recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers.
Surprises Continue as Walt Disney World Gives $1.2 Million Over 40 Days
posted on April 28th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World is well into week two of a 40-day celebration across Central Florida to recognize and reward organizations that make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.
Today, Mickey Mouse and the “Shine On” prize patrol surprised five charities that develop and strengthen children’s character with special gifts totaling $250,000.
Recipients of Disney funding included A Gift For Music, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida. For more information, read here.
Thus far, Disney has given $660,000 on its journey across Central Florida to lend support to organizations that educate, develop and care for local youth. By May 23, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants throughout the region.
I’ve been honored and humbled to be along for the ride on many of these “Shine On” visits. Here’s a look back at last week’s journey, which was focused on helping several organizations that provide essentials such as food and shelter for local families in need.
Last year, Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants made a difference in the lives of more than 10,000 children. I am eager to see what magic will come from this year’s grants. Plenty more is in store.
Central Florida Shines with Support from Disney
posted on April 13th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Did you know Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year? As this special milestone nears, Disney leaders met with nearly 200 community leaders today to reflect on memories and share news about how Disney impacts Central Florida.
As the largest single private employment site in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort and its more than 62,000 cast members play a vital role in Central Florida. In 2010, the resort and its cast contributed more than $28 million and 228,000 volunteer hours to local community efforts, with a special interest in helping children and families.
To that end, in honor of its 40 years in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is spending the next 40 days giving back across the region with a “Shine On” celebration. Prize patrols will surprise, recognize and reward nonprofit groups, school districts and organizations that improve the lives of local children.
Between now and May 22, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants throughout Central Florida. Efforts began this morning as Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World, awarded gifts totaling $290,000 to school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties.
Learn more about Walt Disney World’s charitable contributions by reading the 2010 Community Report. Follow the 40-day “Shine On” journey across Central Florida and track the total giving at www.shineontoday.com, where prize patrol reports and pictures will be posted.
Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children Opens With Fanfare
posted on March 30th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
There was much excitement in Orlando this morning with the official opening of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children. Hundreds were on hand to celebrate the occasion, which included a moving dedication ceremony featuring inspirational stories from former pediatric patients.
Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, toured the state-of-the-art facility and visited with children in the hospital’s interactive lobby. Designed by Disney Imagineers, the lobby features supporting characters from “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Jungle Book” and “Brother Bear.” All seven floors of the hospital feature concepts, colors, sounds and themes inspired by these classic Disney movies. The welcoming, healing environment places young patients in the starring role. Take a look at the video to see some highlights.
The Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children represents a $10 million commitment by Disney. In touring the facility, I was struck by how special and kid-friendly the place truly is. Great attention has been paid to the finer details.
It is a truly unique environment for children in Central Florida who require medical care. Through its support, it’s just one more way Disney is helping make dreams come true for children in need.
Walt Disney World Grants Powerful Wishes By Sharing Its Magic
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we pride ourselves on being the place where dreams come true.
Aside from all the amazing vacations and magical moments in the parks, some truly inspirational real-life fairy tales happen as well. These stories are extraordinary because they show the pure power of a child’s wish.
Disney takes great delight in sharing some of its magic with children’s wish-granting organizations around the world. Whether it’s a desire to dance with Cinderella, or a chance to play football with Mickey Mouse, special requests from children with life-threatening medical conditions get VIP treatment. Last year alone, Walt Disney World Resort granted nearly 7,000 wish trips. According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a Disney-themed wish is the most popular request they receive.
Any time I get the chance to watch a wish come to life, I feel very fortunate. My favorite part is to see the joy in the eyes of the children and their families. These special moments offer hope and lift spirits. It makes me feel proud to know that Disney supports such a worthy cause.
Disney VoluntEARS Build Dream Playground in Less Than a Day
posted on March 17th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
With an eagerness to make a difference and some elbow grease, more than 200 volunteers from Walt Disney World Resort and the community lent some magic to a KaBOOM! playground build yesterday at the Orlando Day Nursery.
It took less than six hours for the group to construct a safe new play space and vegetable garden to serve more than 300 local children. The children themselves had a hand in the playground’s design, which was based on their drawings.
Building a dream playground in less than a day is quick by any standard…and even quicker when captured on time-lapse video.
VoluntEARS moved more than 42,120 square feet of safety surfacing – enough to cover nearly 10 NBA-sized basketball courts – and mixed nearly 10,000 pounds of concrete by hand. It was a treat to watch it all come together. Very impressive and sure to be impactful for years to come.
The playground build is a prelude to the first-ever Disney Magic of Healthy Living – The Weekend, which takes place at Walt Disney World Resort. This weekend, Disney will celebrate fifty kids from around the nation for their winning essays on living a healthier life. As part of the event, they will be invited to explore a new world full of flavor and fun. Activities include a one-of-a-kind “TRYathlon,” a course ‘around the world’ where kids try new foods and new moves that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
