LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 28, 2006 – From emphasizing the importance of education and providing nutritious meals for kids, two non-profit organizations serving Seminole County are planning to spread some magic and make dreams come true with the help of Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants. The recipients of the 2006 grants were announced today in front of

Cinderella Castle at

Magic Kingdom.

 

In total, Walt Disney World Co. awarded more than $700,000 in grants to 38

Central Florida non-profit organizations. The grants were awarded to organizations whose efforts are grounded in one or more of the four platforms identified by DisneyHand-Helping Kids Shine to build better futures for children: connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion.

 

“It is a privilege for Walt Disney World to support our community organizations that demonstrate such a deep dedication to improving the lives of children in

Central Florida,” said Diane Ledder, director of Community Relations for Walt Disney World Co.

 

Two organizations that serve

Seminole County received awards named for former Disney executives who have made significant contributions to the community.

 

The Bob Allen Outstanding Community Service Award honors the late Bob Allen, who started his career at

Disneyland in 1955 and ended his tenure with a decade-long stint as vice president of Walt Disney World Resort. After his death in 1987, Allen’s family formed an endowment fund that assists local social service, environmental and humanitarian organizations. This year, the Florida Senior Programs, Inc. (Foster Grandparent Program of

Central Florida) received a $60,000 grant, which will be used to recruit and train foster grandparents to work with pre-school age children.

 

The Dianna Morgan Children’s Champion Award is in honor of Dianna Morgan, a children’s advocate who forged relationships among Disney, community members and leaders throughout

Florida during her 30-year career with the company. This $48,800 award was presented to The Orlando Science Center, which will fund their apprenticeship program.

 

Other recipients serving

Seminole County include:

 

• Kids House of Seminole, Inc. – $37,000

• Seminole County Friends of Abused Children, Inc. – $9,900

 

 

Each year, Walt Disney World Co. mails grant applications to non-profit organizations throughout

Central Florida. This year, the company received 167 applications.  The grant recipients were chosen by a panel of judges made of up

Central Florida community leaders and Walt Disney World Cast Members.

 

Formerly known as the Community Service Awards, the program was renamed in 2002 to reflect the company’s community focus on building better futures for children. Since 1972, Walt Disney World Co. has awarded more than $8 million to benefit local non-profit organizations through the program.

 

In 2005 alone, Walt Disney World Resort donated $23.2 million in cash and in-kind support to the community. Walt Disney World Cast Members also volunteered more than 203,198 hours to benefit local non-profit organizations.