Last month the Walt Disney World Resort donated a total of $955,000 to nearly 500 Central Florida nonprofits and community service groups in recognition of the hard work and dedication of Walt Disney World VoluntEARS.
The VoluntEARS donated more than 230,000 hours of volunteer time, and the money – called Disney’s EARS to You grants – was earmarked for the nonprofits in recognition of this time. The top recipients of the money include Give Kids the World, SPCA of Central Florida, and the Central Florida Film Festival.
“Disney VoluntEARS generously give their time and talents, and in doing so, make Central Florida an even better place to live, work and play,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort.”
The VoluntEARS program gives cast members an opportunity to give their time and expertise to nonprofits and other organizations in their communities. Each year the Walt Disney Company recognizes VoluntEARS who give at least 10 hours of service with EARS to You grants. These grants are contributions of up to $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of the cast member’s choice.
The VoluntEARS program started in 1983 at the Disneyland Resort and became a company-wide program in the 1990s. This year The Walt Disney Company awarded 1,238 EARS to You grants.
