Organization recently received $25,000 from Walt Disney World Resort as part of the company’s 2014 Disney Grants program.
During a recent ceremony at the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Philharmonic orchestra and fellow Central Florida nonprofits and organizations were recognized with Disney Grants support and special Mousecar awards. In all, 87 organizations received $3.8 million in Disney Grants, including 17 groups that were selected based on the strength of the applications they submitted and their alignment with Disney’s philanthropic focus.
The funding was used toward the Philharmonic’s Party at the Plaza fundraiser, which featured 5 stages of live music, live auction and food to benefit the orchestra and The Plaza Live. The event attracted over 400 attendees and was the most profitable fundraiser the orchestra held in the past three years.
“We’re proud to support the Orlando Philharmonic, which shares our dedication to our community’s children and families,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s an honor to carry on our company’s 42-year commitment to supporting organizations that help make Central Florida an even better place for kids to learn, grow and thrive.”
Through the support provided by this signature giving program, Disney Grants will help Central Florida organizations build brighter futures for some 85,000 children in a variety of ways, such as securing food and shelter for families in need, empowering students to write their stories, and kindling a love of music and the arts throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties.
As a company with nearly 70,000 Cast Members who live and work in Central Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is committed to investing in its community. In addition to annual cash support, Walt Disney World Resort also provided more than $33 million of in-kind donations to local organizations last year, as well as more than 308,000 volunteer hours through the efforts of Disney VoluntEARS.
###
Now in its 21st season, the Orlando Philharmonic is Central Florida’s resident professional orchestra, comprised of talented musicians recruited from around the world. The Philharmonic inspires audiences with over 125 musical experiences annually, ranging from classical and chamber music concerts to pops performances, staged opera productions, outdoor concerts and education programs for all ages. The orchestra has produced opera since the Orlando Opera closed its doors in 2009. Committed to building a sustainable future for classical music, the Philharmonic currently has a budget of $3.6 million, holds an endowment of $4 million, and has maintained a balanced budget every year of its existence. Learn more at www.orlandophil.org | @OrlandoPhilOrch |www.facebook.com/OrlandoPhilOrch
About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 35 resort hotels (26 owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts includes seven Disney Vacation Club resort properties); 63 holes of golf on four courses; two full-service spas; Disney’s Wedding Pavilion; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney. Walt Disney World Resort is committed to building better futures for children; last year, the company donated more than $36.5 million in cash and in-kind support to non-profit organizations in Central Florida and Disney VoluntEARS contributed 308,000 hours to community service. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, and is open daily, year-round. For more information, visit www.wdwnews.com/about