Disney VoluntEARS Receive Top Company Honors

The Disney prize patrol dispersed across Walt Disney World property May 27-June 3, to recognize some of this year's standout Disney VoluntEARS with various awards and grants.

The distribution consisted of four major awards: VoluntEAR of the Year, Judges' Choice VoluntEAR of the Year, VoluntEAR Team of the Year and Judges' Choice VoluntEAR Team of the Year.

On May 27, Eugene Campbell, Vice President of Walt Disney World Community Relations and Minority Business Development, joined the prize patrol to deliver two awards to the Shared Services department: Alais Salvador was named VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney Worldwide Shared Services won the Judges' Choice VoluntEAR Team of the Year.

"We in Community Relations, as well as all your fellow Cast Members all across the Company, are incredibly proud and excited to celebrate Shared Services as the Judges' Choice [VoluntEAR] Team of the Year," Eugene said. "A lot of times we come in contact with Cast Members who have the spirit of giving and we know that most do not volunteer for recognition. Yet I have learned that it is exactly [you] Cast Members who deserve the spotlight, because in many cases, you are the inspiration for others to volunteer," he added.

On June 3, Meg Crofton, President of the Walt Disney World Resort, joined the prize patrol to surprise the Finance department and name Financial Analyst Robin Perez as the Judges' Choice VoluntEAR of the Year and the Finance team as VoluntEAR Team of the Year.

"I could not be more proud of what our Cast Members do to volunteer in this community," Meg said. "Every year, you all donate more than 200,000 hours of service in our community, which is absolutely inspiring. Thank you for making Central Florida a better place."

2008 VoluntEAR of the Year: Alais Salvador, Shared Services

Alais' efforts have helped provide more than 2,500 meals to residents at The Coalition for the Homeless, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Bread for Life programs. Last year she created a new Relay for Life team, which raised more than $56,000 for the American Cancer Society. Her $2,500 grant will benefit this organization.

2008 VoluntEAR Team of the Year: Finance

The Finance VoluntEAR Action Team posted more than 9,000 VoluntEAR hours in 2008. The activities they participated in ranged from donating cell phones to survivors of domestic violence to walking to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. They also engaged children at the Walt Disney Boys and Girls Club in Pine Hills in activities that incorporated teamwork, sportsmanship, healthy eating and character development. The club will receive the team's $2,500 grant.

Judges' Choice VoluntEAR of the Year: Robin Perez, Financial Systems

Robin is a Girl Scouts troop leader of local youth, and uses this role to provide them a foundation for sound decision making, respect and cooperation. She has led her troop through a myriad of activities, including sending care packages to soldiers, collecting food and filling shoeboxes with needed items for the homeless. Her $1,000 grant will benefit Girl Scouts of Citrus Council.

Judges' Choice VoluntEAR Team of the Year: Disney Worldwide Shared Services

In addition to participating in all of Community Relation's annual events, the Disney Worldwide Shared Services Team also reached out to those who benefit from United Way agencies through various methods. In all, they reached 14 agencies and raised more than $13,400 for our local community. Their $1,000 grant will benefit The American Cancer Society.