BAY LAKE, Fla. – Walt Disney World recently surprised 12 non-profits with a $1 million donation, furthering its mission to help the Central Florida community even more.
Those non-profits include After School All Stars, Elevate Orlando, Best Buddies International, A Gift For Teaching, Downtown Arts District, Central Florida Community Arts, IDignity, Orlando Science Center, Children’s Home Society, Pace Center For Girls, Christian Service Center and the Foundation for Foster Children.
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While making the EARidescent announcement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently, Walt Disney World leaders, and its ambassadors, said they had reached an incredible milestone. Since the World’s Most Magical Celebration kicked off last October, the resort has been able to donate $5.5 million to important community causes around Central Florida. The grant giving during the 50th anniversary all started with Disney awarding six amazing nonprofit organizations $3 million dollars.
Since that time, each of those organizations are using the grants in various ways to help foster the Central Florida community further and empower all individuals to create a brighter tomorrow.
In addition to the grants, Walt Disney World said cast members have created a ton of magic by donating more than 158,000 hours of their time to community projects through the Disney VoluntEARS program. When Disney cast members donate time to help in the community Disney matches those donations of time, turning the money into grants.
“At Disney, we’re also finding other creative ways to give back — from earmarking nearly 80 acres of land for affordable housing, inviting aspiring students to Walt Disney World for hands-on learning opportunities with cast members, and giving community members the first chance to visit some of our newest Disney experiences like Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind,” Rena Langley, Senior Vice President, Walt Disney World Communications and Public Affairs said on Disney’s blog.
Click here to learn more about how the Walt Disney Company is giving back to the Central Florida community and beyond.
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