Disney Donates $500,000 to Boost Florida Schools and Honor Teachers

Lakeland, Florida, USA - In a heartwarming display of community support, Walt Disney World has stepped up its game, celebrating the end of the school year with a generous donation of $500,000 aimed at bolstering educational programs throughout Central Florida. As part of this initiative, beloved character Stitch made surprise appearances at several schools, including Hamilton Elementary, Deerwood Elementary, College Park Middle, Tavares Middle, and North Lakeland Elementary, delighting students and educators alike.

The donation will benefit multiple local organizations, including the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, the School District of Osceola County, Lake County Schools Foundation, Polk County Schools Foundation, Seminole County Schools Foundation, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Philharmonic, ELEVATE Orlando, and A Gift for Teaching. Fred Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, expressed his excitement about the initiative, emphasizing the positive impact such support can have on the educational landscape.

Celebrating Educators

As part of their tribute to local educators, teachers received complimentary Walt Disney World park tickets during these school visits. This recognition is a nod to their unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. Adam Cody, a teacher at Deerwood Elementary and former Monorail pilot, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our hard work,” he said, as he prepares for retirement after an impressive 25 years of teaching in Osceola County Public Schools.

But the support doesn’t end with financial contributions or free tickets. Walt Disney World also arranged a day of activities at the Disney Imagination Campus for local educators, where they can draw inspiration from the innovative environment of EPCOT for classroom applications. Such initiatives are part of a broader commitment that Disney has toward enriching the community’s educational experience.

Ongoing Commitment to Education

Disney’s generous contributions to education have been ongoing. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the company previously donated $150,000 for teacher enrichment programs, which were split between Orange County Public Schools and the School District of Osceola County. Each district received $50,000, highlighting Disney’s dedication to strengthening the fabric of local educational institutions. The company also supports outreach programs such as A Gift For Teaching, which supplies essential educational resources.

This commitment to education resonates deeply within Disney’s corporate values. In just the past eight months, Disney has issued $3 million in grants to various Central Florida nonprofits, ensuring that the community continues to thrive. The funds have not only benefitted schools, but have also supported organizations like Give Kids the World and The Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, fostering comprehensive community development.

Large corporations are increasingly stepping up to provide educational support, and Disney is no stranger to this trend. With initiatives reminiscent of their corporate counterparts, such as the philanthropic efforts from Facebook or Microsoft, Disney remains committed to investing in future generations. Over the last four years, Disney has donated an astounding 23.1 million books to children and schools, along with contributing over $333.3 million to nonprofits dedicated to supporting kids and families.

As Central Florida gears up for exciting events at Walt Disney World—like The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Typhoon Lagoon and a Back-To-School Supply Drive—residents can feel reassured knowing that community partners are working hard to create a vibrant, supportive educational environment. With such commendable efforts, it’s clear that Disney understands that investing in education is investing in the future of an entire community.

Learn more about this initiative from DAPS Magic, follow the story from Click Orlando, and see how big companies contribute to education at We Are Teachers.