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Disney News
Press Release
Disneyland Resort contributed close to $10 million in donations and
volunteer work in 2004
The Disneyland Resort and its Cast Members contributed
nearly $10 million during 2004 in cash, in-kind donations and volunteer
service to hundreds of non-profit organizations, touching the lives
of thousands of residents in Southern California. The findings are part
of the Resort's 2004 Community Relations report released today during
a "State of the Resort" hosted by Disneyland Resort President
Matt Ouimet for government and community leaders.
The Community Relations report augments an economic impact study released
today by CBRE Consulting and Allan D. Kotin & Associates that shows
the Disneyland Resort generates $3.6 billion in economic impact annually
and supports 65,700 jobs in Southern California.
"As we start our 50th anniversary year, it is a great time to
pause and reflect on all the visionary people and events that have helped
make Disneyland a very special place," said Matt Ouimet, president,
Disneyland Resort. "This comprehensive report underscores the significance
of the past 50 years and more specifically, showcases the contributions
that the Resort has and continues to make to the Southern California
economy each year."
Making Magic in the Community
Community programs at the Disneyland Resort include the Community
Service Awards, started by Walt Disney in 1957 to recognize the
selfless works of local non-profit agencies. Since the program's inception,
nearly $9 million has been awarded to thousands of organizations. In
2004, grants totaling $440,000 were provided to 30 groups.
"Disneyland is a cherished treasure to Anaheim," said Curt
Pringle, City of Anaheim Mayor. "All of our residents have
benefited from the decision Walt Disney made to locate the Happiest
Place on Earth in the City of Anaheim. Disneyland in Anaheim is an integral
part of our city's heritage and greatly contributes to the quality of
life our residents enjoy."
Another annual event is the "CHOC/ Disneyland Resort Walk in the
Park" which benefits Children's Hospital of Orange County. In October,
the Disneyland Resort hosted 12,000 walk participants who helped raise
a record-breaking $1 million by walking through the Resort.
"We are extremely grateful for everything we receive from the
Disneyland Resort and its Cast Members," said Kim Cripe, chief
executive officer of CHOC. "They help make a big difference in
our community."
Community giving from the Disneyland Resort also includes support from
its Cast Members. Through the Disney VoluntEARS program in 2004,
employees contributed 116,000 hours of volunteer service to 90 community
projects and events, ranging from teaching in the classroom with Junior
Achievement to remodeling rooms at the Boys and Girls Club of Orange
County. Additionally, Cast Members at the Disneyland Resort support
the Cast Community Fund. And in 2004, 60 non-profit organizations received
$300,000 through this program, which is completely funded through Cast
Member donations.
"The Disneyland Resort is an excellent role model for corporate
philanthropy and employee volunteerism in our area," said Carol
Stone, president and chief executive officer of the Volunteer Center
of Orange County. "They set the standard for others to follow."
"Walt Disney knew how important it was to give back to our community
to make it a better place for all to live," continued Ouimet. "Fifty
years later, the Cast Members of the Disneyland Resort take special
pride in ensuring that we are keeping this part of Walt's legacy alive
as we reach out into our community everyday."
Walt's commitment will continue as Disneyland begins its 50th anniversary
celebration with special community events to commemorate the milestone.
Disneyland Resort Community Relations will champion several community
initiatives during the 50th anniversary. They include:
* An Evening of Magic -- Make-A-Wish Fundraiser, July 16 aboard
the
Disney Magic in the Port of Los Angeles.
* Show Your Character Community Outreach Program, which will
sponsor
50 youth-driven volunteer projects, developing a partnership between
local high schools and community-based, not-for-profit organizations.
* The Disney Legacy Scholarship Program, that will be unveiled
in spring
2006, will provide fifty $1,000 scholarship opportunities to students
active in community service.
"Disneyland and Orange County have grown together,"
said Ouimet. "Our celebration is about recognizing our heritage
as well as the people in our community who have been with us over the
past 50 years. It's one of the ways we say thanks to the community that
has supported us for five decades."
About the Disneyland Resort:
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, California, the Disneyland
Resort includes the Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
theme parks, three hotels with a total of 2,224 rooms and the 310,000
square foot Downtown Disney retail, restaurant and entertainment district.
With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County's largest
employer and a $3.6 billion annual contributor to the local economy.
In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth Guest since opening
on July 17, 1955. Beginning May 5, 2005, Disney theme parks will begin
an 18-month celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.
This global event will be the largest in Disney theme park history.
