A Walt Disney World cast member has been named the 2014 Disney VoluntEAR of the Year.
Kristen Lehrer, a resource manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, was chosen for the coveted award by Disney cast members. She received a surprise celebration, a trophy, a handshake from Mickey Mouse, and a $2,500 contribution to the charity of her choice.
“Kristin’s compassion and spirit of volunteerism is an inspiration to Cast Members throughout Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship for Walt Disney World Resort. “We’re proud to celebrate her contributions with one of our own – a $2,500 donation to the Central Florida region of the Arthritis Foundation.”
Lehrer’s volunteer work includes planning fundraising events and serving on committees that advocate for families affected by juvenile arthritis. She dedicated more than 60 hours of volunteer service to the Arthritis Foundation in the past year.
The Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral Team was recently named the Disney VoluntEAR Team of the Year. The team has supported the Sunshine Foundation which fulfills dream requests for chronically ill, physically challenged, and abused kids. The Walt Disney Company gave the Sunshine Foundation $2,500 on the team’s behalf.
Last year Disney VoluntEARS gave more than 308,000 volunteer hours in central Florida.
