Gift-Givers To Be Honored at Walt Disney World Resort
Gift-Givers To Be Honored This Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort
Celebrating the spirit of the season, Disney-MGM Studios will honor five Floridians this weekend chosen for their "Random Acts of Kindness." The individuals -- chosen from nominations received by local radio stations in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville -- will be treated to a special Walt Disney World vacation Dec. 18-19 and take center stage Saturday evening at the Disney-MGM Studios as they flip the switch to turn on more than five-million holiday lights in the theme park's Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, created annually at the theme park by Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, paints the theme park's studio backlot houses and buildings with sparkling holiday color and elaborate displays of light and motion. Because of his philanthropic spirit in providing light displays to more than 40 towns, community centers, schools and children's hospitals throughout Arkansas, Osborne has become famous in his home state for his "Random Acts of Kindness" and often challenges others to follow his lead and commit an act of kindness in someone else's life.
The five individuals will be honored at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 18th in a ceremony at the Disney-MGM Studios and presented the "Random Acts of Kindness" award by Malcolm Ross, vice president of the Disney-MGM Studios. The honorees also will be the "stars" in a Hollywood-style motorcade and then help Mickey Mouse throw the switch that lights up the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
"Just as Jennings Osborne has given the gift of happiness to millions by creating these magnificent light displays, we want to honor these individuals who have also given of themselves," Ross said.
In Osborne's spirit of kindness, the five individuals are being honored for giving their very special gifts to others:
- Robert Eder of Jacksonville donated one of his kidneys to his wife, Carol. The transplant eased Carol Eder's lifelong struggle with a degenerative kidney disease and daily dialysis treatments she underwent for six months.
- Dawn Rivera of West Palm Beach opened her home to a 16-year-old pregnant teenager who was expecting twins. She helped raise money for the family through charitable donations until the young mother and her children could get on their feet again. She also spent money she had saved to buy herself new furniture to furnish the young family's home.
- College student Tracy Grubb of Orlando devoted three months of her life to helping the victims of the deadly tornadoes that struck the area in February 1998. In addition to spending her entire savings she had accumulated for a European vacation, she worked with local school children following the disaster, led local worship services for victims and helped residents salvage their belongings in the rubble. She also volunteers her time weekly by purchasing and cooking food for the homeless in Orlando.
- Lena McArthur of Miami believes in volunteerism. She volunteers her time as a Cubmaster for Pack-71 at Dunbar Elementary School, organizing projects like making holiday baskets for the needy. She also volunteers at Pepper Park, giving of her time and working with the area children and the North Miami National Little League. She also regularly volunteers with a new aftercare tutoring program.
- As an Eagle Scout, Richard Keebler, 27, of Tampa has committed numerous "Random Acts of Kindness" on his way to Scouting's highest honor. Keebler, who has Down syndrome, has earned numerous badges and pins for his community service efforts. His hard work culminated Dec. 7 when he passed his final Scout review board. Among his community service: he led an effort to relandscape Tampa's St. Chad's Episcopal Church.
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-- Posted December 17th, 1999
Source: Company Press Release