From Our Wishing Well to Yours: Disney Donates $30,000 to Give Kids The World Village

Every day, our guests toss coins into Cinderella’s Wishing Well ­– or one of the many other fountains or waterways across Walt Disney World Resort – and make a wish. Periodically, these coins are collected and donated, and because of some of your recent wishes, we’re able to donate $30,000 to Give Kids The World Village.

Established in 1986, Give Kids The World Village plays an integral part of our wish granting efforts here at Walt Disney World Resort, providing a place for wish kids and families to laugh, play and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures. As a Walt Disney World Ambassador, I’m proud to share that my fellow cast members and Disney VoluntEARS are a mainstay of the Village, serving ice cream, coordinating meals and assisting at special events for families during their stay.

“We’ve had an amazing relationship with Walt Disney World Resort for more than 35 years, and this donation on top of the recent $500,000 grant will help us to continue making dreams come true for our very special wish families who visit the Village,” said Pam Landwirth, President and CEO – Give Kids The World Village.

This organization holds a special place in my heart as my cousin, Caleb, experienced the magic of the Village during his Make-A-Wish trip to Walt Disney World Resort in 1996. Knowing just how special this trip was for Caleb and his family inspired me to volunteer at the Village myself, and I’ll never forget coming across Caleb’s wishing star in the Castle of Miracles on my first day as a VoluntEAR – it’s comforting to know his memory lives on, and his contagious, bubbly energy and bravery continues to inspire me every day!

This donation is one of many ways we’re giving back to magic makers in the Central Florida community during the 50^th Anniversary celebration. After kicking off The World’s Most Magical Celebration with $3 million in grants to six local nonprofit organizations, including Give Kids The World Village, our cast members have continued to serve the community through their participation in the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge.