Happy holidays, Central Florida community leaders and friends!

This time of year is that place on the calendar when we reflect on the people who mean the most to us and reach out to those we may not see often enough. It is when we reflect on dreams and accomplishments from the past year – and see how well the two line up!

This season is also when we want to make magic for children. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent raising little ones, or simply someone who wants the best for our youngsters; we can all delight in seeing the wonder of the holidays through their eyes.

Disney is one of many organizations in the community that puts children at the forefront, and we’ve had several opportunities in the last month to work together with other groups on a few very special moments.

For the first time since 2019, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse resumed our special tradition of visiting local children’s hospitals. They lit up the faces of patients and families, and it touched our hearts when we saw how happy the medical staff were, as well.
Toys for Tots is another time-honored Disney tradition, and we once again partnered with the Marine Corps in their effort to ensure that no child is forgotten during the holiday season. We’ve worked with Toys for Tots since the organization’s start 75 years ago, and new for this year, we hosted a Toys for Tots distribution event here at the resort.

We also recently helped break ground on a new robotics room at their Walt Disney World Clubhouse, which is being built with a $500,000 grant from Disney. With that grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Walt Disney World has given over $5.5 million in grants to more than 60 nonprofit organizations in the last 15 months since the start of the 50th anniversary celebration.

As we get ready to turn the calendar to 2023, there is much more work for all of us to do to support Central Florida. The Walt Disney World team, including our VoluntEARS and community board members, look forward to working with community leaders to make Central Florida a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Jeff Vahle
President, Walt Disney World Resort
2022 IN THE COMMUNITY
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Jeff Vahle

MouseMail is a periodic news brief for Central Florida businesses, community, and government leaders, produced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.