President Kalogridis wrote a letter regarding Disney VoluntEARs:
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
Throughout 2012, we celebrated together as the Disneyland Resort completed its second-largest expansion since our gates first opened in 1955. While we focused tirelessly on the Grand Reopening of Disney California Adventure, we were equally vigilant about identifying and addressing the needs of our community, from supporting Anaheim youth programs to launching The Walt Disney Company’s Heroes Work Here initiative, which provides career opportunities for veterans.
Continuing in the philanthropic tradition of our company, we proudly supported our long-standing partners,CHOC Children’s and KaBOOM!, helping to ensure that generations of children will have access to state-of-the-art health care in Orange County and much-needed play spaces. In an effort to encourage healthier lifestyles, we planted community gardens and created Spanish-language videos to promote healthy cooking. Our Disney VoluntEARS, who will celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2013, were as active as ever – contributing more than 92,000 hours of volunteer time to local organizations. These are just a few of the ways in which we connected with our community and addressed real needs to enrich the lives of our neighbors – amounting to more than $16 million in volunteer hours, cash and in-kind donations.
As Orange County’s largest employer, we are committed to promoting growth in Southern California; adding 5,000 new jobs and generating $19 billion in economic activity during the past five years. We are optimistic about the year ahead and look forward to your continued partnership. On behalf of our 25,000 cast members who live and work in the community, thank you for being part of our family. We are truly honored to be a part of yours!
George A. Kalogridis
President
Disneyland Resort