Disney Earmarks $1.2 Million to Benefit Central Florida’s Children

Walt Disney World Resort is kicking off a week-long traveling celebration that will surprise, recognize and reward local non-profits and organizations that share Disney’s commitment to building better futures for local children.

Between now and May 25, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants  to support 57 children’s charities throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties. Additionally, prize patrols will recognize 15 outstanding students in the five-county area as Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars for their civic-minded efforts.

“We continue to strengthen our focus on helping children thrive in Central Florida and look to invest in community partners who share our vision,” says Eugene Campbell, vice president of Community Relations and Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. “An exciting week is in store for some very deserving organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of our community’s youth.”

Recipients of Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants demonstrate the strongest alignment with Disney’s goal of improving children’s lives by focusing on one or more of following areas: connecting with adults, character development, constructive use of free time and compassion.

“Shine On 2010” seeks to direct Disney’s charitable support toward programs that will make the greatest impact on children in Central Florida.

Of note:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, A Gift for Music, Coalition for the Homeless and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida will receive ongoing, comprehensive support from Walt Disney World Resort to aid their efforts. They will receive a combined total of $300,000 for their proven track record in making long-term sustainable improvements in children’s lives.
• Public school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties will receive a combined total of $290,000 to enhance student performance from preschool through grade school.
• A combined total of $132,000 in support will go to organizations that enrich children’s lives by caring for their well-being; Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola County, Children’s Advocacy Center of Lake/Sumter, Children’s Advocacy Center of Polk County, Kids House of Seminole, Camp Boggy Creek, City of Orlando Mayor’s Matching Grant Program, Hope Foundation,  Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and North Florida, New Beginnings, Second Harvest Food Bank and Urban League Youth Summit.
• $500,000 will go to 31 local non-profits who applied for Disney Helping Kids Grants to support their children’s programs and youth outreach efforts.

Prize patrol reports and pictures will be posted frequently on www.shineontoday.com to track the journey and total giving across Central Florida.

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