A Commitment to Community: Walt Disney World Resort Gives $3 Million, Introduces Disney VoluntEARS Cast Challenge and More in Honor of 50th Anniversary Celebration
Originally published at Disney Parks News
For 50 years, Walt Disney World Resort has served as a beacon of hope and happiness in the Central Florida area, bringing the beloved magic found across the resort to children and families in our neighboring communities through programs like Disney VoluntEARS – a program that connects cast members with local leaders and nonprofit organizations to help support important causes and make a difference in our dynamically diverse and ever-changing community.
We recently shared that Disney granted a total of $3 million to six amazing nonprofit organizations in Central Florida in celebration of our 50th anniversary, and we are thrilled to continue delivering on our commitment to the community throughout The World’s Most Magical Celebration, bringing all the love, joy and EARidescent excitement to our Central Florida family during this 18-month event and beyond.
“The Disney VoluntEARS program is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in a BIG way,” Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World Resort said. “Over the next 18 months, specially themed events will be happening locally and at our domestic sites across the country, connecting Walt Disney World cast members with communities near and far, while also inviting other Disney employees and fans from all over to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary, together.”
As this is an incredibly special moment in time for Walt Disney World cast members and Disney VoluntEARS alike, there’s some added magic in store for our VoluntEARS who go to “infinity and beyond” in their communities as we launch the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge. This cast-exclusive challenge will award Central Florida cast members who volunteer 50 hours and attend 50 VoluntEARS events before the end of the celebration with specially themed EARidescent commemorative items – I know I can’t wait to partake!
“I’m extremely excited to participate in the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge,” Disney VoluntEAR Monica said. “Being a Disney VoluntEAR is extremely special to me as it means I’m able to make an impact on the life of someone else in a positive and uplifting way.”
Not only will cast members have the opportunity for some hands-on helping throughout the entirety of the challenge, but they’ll also be able to turn their personal or company-sponsored volunteer hours into charitable contributions through Disney VoluntEARS Grants. After volunteering at least ten hours, Disney VoluntEARS will have the option to donate $100 to a nonprofit of their choosing. The more volunteer hours completed, the more donations we’re able to provide on behalf of our cast!
As a company that leads with compassion and innovation, we aim to empower all individuals to create a brighter tomorrow, and we’re excited to see our cast members do just that as they rise to the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge and impact the lives of so many throughout the next 18 months and beyond.
