Disneyland Resort cast members decorated rocks backstage as part of an event to spread love and raise awareness about the importance of anti-bullying efforts for Spirit Day earlier this month during National Bullying Prevention Month.
The event was hosted by the Disneyland Resort PRIDE Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), which advocates for all cast members who are part of or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and The Walt Disney Company SHALOM BERG, which advocates and celebrates identities of Jewish Cast Members.
The rocks decorated by cast members will be delivered to the Blaze Bernstein Memorial Rock Garden in Borrego Park in Lake Forest, CA, which celebrates the life of the teenager who was killed in 2018.
“We all have so many layers to our own story and journey,” said Disneyland Resort PRIDE BERG Co-chair Patrick Reynolds. “Being able to express ourselves and show compassion in a way that can impact someone you’ve never met is such a great feeling. We hope that these rocks will inspire hope and belonging.”
“I wrote ‘love always,’ and that’s because love is always what we need to get through tough times,” said Melissa Ramirez, Food and Beverage. “It’s important to stand up for others who can’t have a voice. That one day you speak up for someone could give them the courage to stand up for themselves in the future.”
Cashier Kimberly Clair shared why the event meant so much to her.
“I’ve been through a lot, and I’m against bullying and against anything that causes someone to hurt themselves,” said Kimberly. “Advocating for anti-bullying helps me grow as a person, and also allows me to be there for someone else, and let them know they’re not alone.”
