Disney Donates Record 3.1 Million School Supplies to Students

Students across Central Florida will start the school year off right with a record 3.1 million supplies and 13,000 backpacks donated through the annual Back-to-School Supply Drive at Walt Disney World Resort. School superintendents from Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties joined Mickey Mouse and Disney VoluntEARS to celebrate the effort and the upcoming start of the school year. “Thirteen thousand book bags is incredible. That kind of donation to the counties surrounding Walt Disney World is a tremendous asset and a wonderful gift,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins. “Our community has never failed to step up and help our children when they have needs.” The Back-to-School Supply Drive reflects Disney’s long-standing tradition of supporting children from pre-K through college. Read more.

VoluntEARS Support Back-to-School Drive

Collecting millions of school supplies requires a virtual army of Disney VoluntEARS. This year, more than 650 Walt Disney World Cast Members volunteered over 2,300 hours to stuff boxes filled with rulers, crayons, pencils, notebooks, erasers, glue sticks and every other kind of necessary school item. Alayna Riggins took time away from her Disney editing job to help distribute school supplies. “As the mother of a first-grader, my son’s education is of the utmost importance to me,” said Riggins. “I enjoy helping out with fellow Cast Members so that local students can start the school year off in the best way possible with the proper tools for learning.” Cast Members also support education efforts throughout the year, volunteering 14,622 hours in local schools in 2011 alone.

Disney Named Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation

The Association of Fundraising Professionals has named Walt Disney World Resort its 2012 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation. Heart of Florida United Way nominated Walt Disney World for being an active leader in philanthropy and encouraging others to get involved. The recognition highlights Disney’s $28 million in charitable giving and 208,000 VoluntEAR hours in 2011. ”Central Florida has benefitted for decades from the philanthropic spirit and generosity of Disney and its Cast Members,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “They are true partners in our mission to improve lives.” The award will be presented on National Philanthropy Day in November.

Cast Members Raise $30k for Local Nonprofit

More than 500 Disney Cast Members recently donated their time and talents to raise $30,000 for A Better Life — Pet Rescue, a local organization that promotes the adoption of rescued animals. The Encore! Cast Performing Arts group staged “Finding Wonderland,” a Broadway-style musical at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting the non-profit. “We are so grateful for this incredibly generous donation. Our organization depends entirely on donations like this, so these Cast Members are literally keeping our doors open,” said Rita D’Angelo Tikador, co-founder and director of A Better Life — Pet Rescue. Over the past 10 years, Encore has raised $200,000 for local organizations. Read more.

Magic Kingdom Expansion Creates 1,500 Jobs

During a recent update on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, Disney executives shared that the project has created nearly 700 construction jobs and will create 800 operational jobs over the next two years. “Doubling the size of Fantasyland is having a positive impact on Central Florida’s economy, both in terms of new jobs and opportunities to attract additional visitors to our region,” said Jim MacPhee, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks. The new operational roles range from attractions hosts and skilled mechanical jobs to management positions. Previews of the new experiences begin Nov. 19 with a grand opening planned Dec. 6. Read more.

MEAC/SWAC Challenge to Shine National Spotlight on Region

Central Florida may just be the biggest winner of all when the 8th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney comes to the Florida Citrus Bowl on Sept. 2. Broadcast nationally across the networks of ESPN and drawing tens of thousands of fans to the region, the game features two teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities in competing conferences — Bethune-Cookman (MEAC) against Alabama State (SWAC). “The MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney showcases football but it celebrates so much more,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of domestic minority business development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Our sponsorship of the event is just one way Disney demonstrates its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which benefits everyone.” Learn more.

Disney Sponsors Exhibit at Local Art Museum

The Disney-sponsored exhibit “From Alice to Zeus: The Art of John Rocco,” is now open at the Orlando Museum of Art. On view until the end of October, the collection includes more than 60 drawings, sketches and finished illustrations that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s creative process. Rocco began his career as an author and illustrator in 2004 and his book “Blackout” recently won an American Library Association award for most distinguished American picture book for children. Rocco previously designed attractions for Epcot and served as art director for DisneyQuest. Read more.

Turtles Compete in Annual Marathon

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort became the site of a recent bon voyage party for two loggerhead sea turtles returning to the ocean after laying eggs in nesting spots along the shore. Named after characters from the Disney-Pixar movie Finding Nemo, “Peach” and “Pearl” are two of 14 sea turtles participating in the “Tour de Turtles: A Sea Turtle Migration Marathon” organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Using satellite technology, researchers will track the turtles and share the data with conservation decision makers. Audiences worldwide can view the sea turtles’ progress online. Read more.

Canoe Racers Keep Tradition Alive

The dense forests and suspension bridges of Tom Sawyer Island served as the backdrop for the recent “Canoe Races around the World” at Magic Kingdom. More than 75 teams competed in the two-week event that has been a tradition for Disney Cast Members for almost 50 years. “Tradition is very important to our company,” said Paige McCalmon, a Cast Member who helped coordinate this year’s event. “It is a great team builder that is uniquely Disney.” Read more.

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MouseMail is a periodic news brief for Central Florida business, community
and government leaders, produced byWalt Disney World Co.