Disney’s New York Community Relations office coordinates the philanthropic efforts of the of the Walt Disney Company and its Business Units in the New York City and Washington DC tri state areas as well as our publishing interests in Massachusetts. Our overarching compassion outreach initiatives seek to address the critical needs of children and families and the Disney magic helps to brighten lives in the areas of learning, the arts, and the environment.
In addition to supporting requests for grants, benefit events and auction items, a number of branded signature programs are developed annually that align our company’s resources with our mission to help families in need. Community projects have included painting schools, murals and preserving children’s playgrounds. In addition, we brighten the lives of children in hospitals with keenly anticipated character visits and make sure that children have toys during the holiday season. Our support for many Boys and Girls Clubs in our region for example, also provides a safe after-school alternative for children.
Our corporate sponsorship has more recently allowed the restoration of the Fifth Street Children’s Garden on New York’s Lower East Side, the Lincoln Center Holiday tree lighting, Lincoln Center Out of Doors "Playday," the "Disney Enchanted Reading Room" for the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation annual children’s carnival, and the refurbishing of a children’s playground in close proximity to NYC public housing. Many of these efforts have involved our Corporate VoluntEARS on site.
As of FY 2008 all charitable requests will be processed electronically via our Contributions Management System. The system will further allow us to pursue our vision of being the neighbor of choice in the communities in which we live and serve.
Photo Garden Project:
Lincoln Center Holiday Tree Lighting November 2006
On March 16, as a part of the Rolling Readers program, Disney VoluntEAR Margarita Stack read books to a Kindergarten Class at Walt Disney Elementary School in Anaheim, California.
Disney VoluntEARS participated in the Elmo Walk in Santa Ana on February 2, in collaboration with the Discovery Science Center. There, Disney VoluntEARS, like Cast Member, Kariane Mcguire, assisted the participants at various fun activities booths!
