 Port Welcomes Job Growth from Disney Fantasy
 Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship sailed into Port Canaveral this month, bringing positive news to the coastal community. The Disney Fantasy is expected to generate more than 500 direct, indirect and induced jobs and attract thousands of additional cruise Guests to the port, according to an economic impact study by Martin Associates. “The arrival of the Disney Dream last year made a significant economic impact on Central Florida, and we know the Disney Fantasy will add to that dramatically,” said Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer Stan Payne. Port Canaveral has been the home of Disney Cruise Line since 1998. Learn more here.
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Disney Cruise Line Donates $250,000 for Kids
 In honor of the Disney Fantasy’s inaugural call on Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida with a $250,000 gift to help build a new facility in Cocoa near the port. “We are very grateful for this generous contribution from Disney Cruise Line, which will have an immediate impact on our community and encourage the next generation of local leaders,” said Gary Cain, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Disney also hosted a plaque exchange, a traditional maritime ceremony commemorating the first time a ship calls on a port. Several local leaders participated in the event including Port Canaveral CEO Stan Payne and Chairman of the Port Canaveral Board Bruce Deardoff. Read more.
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Disney Supports Veterans with New Initiative
 This week, The Walt Disney Company announced a new effort to hire, train and support returning military veterans. As part of the Heroes Work Here initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years. The company will also support military families and veterans during their transition into the private sector and will launch a public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans. “The military values of honor, integrity, commitment and courage, along with the skills and experience they’ve gained through their service, make veterans incredibly valuable employees for any company,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. Learn more here.
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Bowl-A-Thon Supports Junior Achievement
 More than 4,500 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS recently hit bowling alleys across Central Florida to strike up support for economic education in local classrooms. The DisneyBowl-A-Thon raises more than $200,000 annually for Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “The Disney Bowl-A-Thon is the largest single source of participants in a Junior Achievement event nationwide,” said Greg Polejes, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “We are so grateful to have Disney’s support in our mission to help students become the successful leaders of tomorrow.” Learn more here.
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Camps Inspire Kids to Connect with Nature
 Approximately 100 local students will spend most of spring break exploring nature, learning more about wildlife and making new friends at a special conservation camp sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort. “By going behind the scenes to learn more about animals and conservation, we hope the students will connect with wildlife and nature in a unique and long-lasting way,” said Taryn Rukovitz, manager for Engelwood Neighborhood Center, one of two community centers participating in the conservation camps. Read more here.
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VoluntEARS Gear Up for KaBOOM! Playgrounds
 Driven by a desire to provide safe places for children to play, hundreds of Walt Disney World VoluntEARS will soon lend their magic to building two KaBOOM! playgrounds in Central Florida. This spring, the Zellwood Community Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry will receive bright new playgrounds featuring swings, slides and soft safety surfacing. The playgrounds’ colorful designs are based on drawings by local children. The efforts are part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living, which aims to build 13 playgrounds throughout the country this year.
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Disney Leaders Named Among Most Influential
 The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando has named two Disney Cast Members among the 25 most influential Hispanics in Central Florida. With this distinction, George Aguel, senior vice president of Corporate Alliances for The Walt Disney Company and Betty Martinez-Lowery, manager of Community Relations at Walt Disney World Resort, appear in the inaugural edition of Visión Magazine. The magazine’s editorial board based their selections on leadership and contributions to the enrichment and growth of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. Read more.
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Chef Nominated for Best in South Award
 Chef Scott Hunnel of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been named as a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s annual awards recognizing the top chefs in the United States. For the sixth consecutive year, Hunnel has been nominated for the prestigious “Best Chef: South” award. “To me, the James Beard recognition is such an honor because the nomination comes from your peers,” said Hunnel. “There are so many talented chefs out there and to be nominated by them is very special.” Learn more.
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© Disney
MouseMail is a periodic news brief for Central Florida business, community and government leaders, produced by Walt Disney World, Co.
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