Mc Donalds and Disney to honor youth
Millennium Dreamers(TM) Global Children's Recognition Program Celebrates Tomorrow's Leaders
OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The extraordinary contributions of 2,000 young people from around the world will be recognized and celebrated as part of the momentous turn of the calendar with the Millennium Dreamers global children's recognition program conducted as part of an alliance with The Walt Disney Company and McDonald's Corporation.
In association with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Millennium Dreamers is the largest and most prestigious program of its kind ever conducted by either company, covering more than 100 countries around the globe.
This search for young people, who have made a significant and positive impact on their communities, will culminate during a special recognition event at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida May 8-10, 2000.
"The glare of the headlines sometimes blinds us to the incredibly selfless acts performed daily by young people everywhere to make our world a better place," said Disney Chairman and CEO Michael D. Eisner. "Disney and McDonald's are proud to celebrate the millennium by honoring these leaders of the next century and showcasing their stories."
"We are delighted that McDonald's restaurants in communities around the world are joining Disney to salute young people through this unprecedented global children's recognition program," said Jack M. Greenberg, McDonald's chairman and chief executive officer. "McDonald's was founded on the principle of giving back to the communities we serve and our Millennium Dreamers program is the perfect way to reinforce this important part of our heritage."
Program Details:
Nomination Process
Youth between the ages of 8 and 15 are eligible to participate in the Millennium Dreamers
program. The nomination process to identify the 2,000 young people and their contributions
officially begins worldwide on October 1. Nomination forms are available in elementary and
secondary schools throughout the United States; through select national children's
organizations; on the Worldwide Web at http://www.mcdonalds.com and http://www.disney.com;
and at participating McDonald's restaurants worldwide. Official nomination forms must be
completed an adult (21 years or older) not related to the child or living in the same
household, the nominee and signed by a parent or legal guardian. The nomination period is
Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 in the United States and will vary by country worldwide.
Selection Process
Panels of expert judges from across the globe will select the final 2,000
"delegates", with selection criteria based on the creativity, inspirational
value and impact of the contribution on the community and beyond. Recognition will be
given in two age categories: 8-11 and 12-15 year-olds. However, every young person with a
valid nomination will receive a special certificate of merit.
Global Children's Summit and Media Event
The 2,000 delegates chosen as Millennium Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will be flown to Walt Disney World Resort May 8-10, 2000 to share their inspirational stories with the world and participate in an interactive symposium at the Disney Institute. The three-day event will culminate at a special ceremony, where the Millennium Dreamers will receive special recognition for their outstanding contributions and inspiration to the world.
More information about the Millennium Dreamers global children's recognition program and nomination forms can be found at http://www.disney.com, part of the GO Network, or http://www.mcdonalds.com