Walt Disney World Cast Members Donate $3.7 Million to United Way Campaign

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For more than 40 years, Disney Cast Members who live throughout Central Florida put their hearts into the annual Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) campaign, supporting the organization and its work in their hometown communities. Their pledges were the catalyst for the Company’s $3.7 million contribution to HFUW, the second-highest donation to the organization in Walt Disney World Resort history.

Disney’s 2014-2015 campaign donation includes $3.3 million in Cast Member pledges, as well as cash and in-kind donations from the Company. This record total will help HFUW serve thousands of Central Florida children and families who face homelessness, hunger, health and educational challenges.

At last week’s HFUW’s Diamond Celebration, which marked the conclusion of the organization’s 75th annual campaign, pledge totals were shared with the community and Disney was recognized with the group’s Million Dollar Community Champion Award.

“For more than 40 years, Walt Disney World Resort has been a top contributor to our annual campaigns, which make our wide array of community services possible,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President and CEO of HFUW. “Through the decades, Disney Cast Members have been steadfast supporters of Heart of Florida United Way, helping us promote the strength, health and vibrancy of Central Florida.”

Disney’s contribution helped HFUW raised a total of $18.5 million, which was a nearly $300,000 increase over the organization’s 2013-2014 campaign total.

A member of the HFUW Board of Directors, Maribeth Bisienere served as Walt Disney World Resort United Way Campaign Executive Champion this year. Bisienere, senior vice president of Downtown Disney, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, water parks and mini golf, shared the news about Disney’s gift.

“Year after year, our Cast Members wholeheartedly support Heart of Florida United Way because they can see the impact of its important work in schools, healthcare facilities and neighborhoods throughout Central Florida,” said Bisienere. “With more than 700 Cast Members who served as advocates for this campaign, Disney remains committed to United Way’s mission and to helping strengthen local children and families.”

HFUW is the largest supporter of Central Florida health and human service agencies, which serve residents of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. The organization operates, administers and promotes nearly 70 local programs that target community issues such as homelessness, hunger, health and education. Annually, more than 400,000 Central Floridians are impacted by this work. HFUW strives to improve lives by improving education, helping people achieve financial stability and promoting healthy living.