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View Full Version : Disneyland Resort Contributed Nearly $10 Million To Local Community In 2004



AVP
03-04-2005, 11:08 AM
DISNEYLAND RESORT CONTRIBUTED NEARLY
$10 MILLION TO LOCAL COMMUNITY IN 2004

Local Communities Benefit from Disneyland Resort
Philanthropic Programs

ANAHEIM, Calif. – March 4, 2005 – 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.”