Disney’s company values are “optimism”, “innovation”, “decency”, “quality”, “community”, and “storytelling.” Having values such as these makes sense for a company whose brand includes epic animated movies, magical theme parks, and messaging that is wrapped in decency, wonder, and joy.
Few would argue that when Disney came to Central Florida 50 years ago, the trajectory of the community was forever changed. The world knows of Central Florida not just because of our sunshine, but because we are a community filled with wonder, entertainment, memory-making opportunities, and seemingly endless excitement. Our theme parks, led by Disney, are “magnets” for millions of visitors each year, and with the world experiencing an unprecedented time amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Florida is positioned to be the number one choice to bring “normalcy” back into the lives of the world!
Disney has brought so much to Central Florida, and as they prepared to celebrate their 50th in Florida, along with the community and the world, Disney made the decision once again to not only “be” in the community, but to be “part” of the community by recognizing six local organization that are positively impacting those in need.
As Rena Langley, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Communications and Public Affairs said in the Disney Parks Blog recently, “Our Central Florida family has played such an important role for us since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. It’s where our cast members live, go to school, raise their families and thrive. For decades, we have remained inspired by the local nonprofits and magic makers in our community who make a difference for so many – giving back to these organizations is a proud tradition we are committed to continuing into the future.”
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Disney granted a total of $3 million to six nonprofit organizations in Central Florida, joining those organizations in making a positive difference for children and families in the community. Those six magic-making organizations are:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida supports youth development and empowers children with the confidence they need to stay out of trouble, make good decisions and chart a course toward a healthy and productive life
Hope Partnership supports families experiencing homelessness and poverty in Osceola County, while providing a pathway to employment, healthcare and housing through its Hope Works Program.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida helps to create hope and nourish lives through a powerful hunger relief network.
Heart of Florida United Way improves the lives of individuals and families, building strong communities by uniting people and organizations to create measurable results and a lasting impact.
ELEVATE Orlando works to build life-changing relationships with urban youth, providing students with opportunities such as job shadowing, personal introductions and in-class speakers’ series
For many of us in Central Florida these are organizations we hear of often. Amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic, time after time these organizations have stepped up to ensure that families and individuals in and around the community have been supported, loved on, and filled with a renewed hope that better days are ahead of them, and for all of us.
For these six organizations Disney’s donation of $500,000 isn’t just a financial blessing, it’s a way for them to continue their passion for those in need in the community, and it shows that the work they do everyday matters, and that they are not alone. Thank you Disney for caring, and Happy 50th!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
