Walt Disney World Resort Donates Money to Central Florida Charities in Recognition of Disney VoluntEARS

Throughout the month of June the Walt Disney World Resort donated nearly $1 million to nonprofits and community organizations in Central Florida in recognition of more than 230,000 hours donated by Disney VoluntEARS.

The funds - known at Disney EARS to You grants - were earmarked by cast members for 500 nonprofits and service groups, including Give Kids the World, SPCA of Central Florida, and the Central Florida Film Festival.

The Disney VoluntEARS program gives cast members an opportunity to give their time to groups in their communities, and each year the program recognizes those who donate at least 10 hours of service. The recognition is through the EARS to You grants, which are contributions of up to $1,000 to the nonprofit of the cast member's choice.

The VoluntEARS program started in 1983 at the Disneyland Resort and became a company-wide program in the 1990s. In 2013, the Walt Disney World Resort has awarded 1,238 EARS to You grants.

Story by Traci C., Source