Disney Volunteers Receive Top Honors from United Arts

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 12, 2009 – Several Disney Cast Members are in the spotlight for their stellar performances both on and off stage, thanks to special recognition from United Arts of Central Florida. The cultural organization has given 2009 Arts + Awards top volunteer honors to the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, an ensemble of Disney Cast Members, and Disney Entertainment Cast Member Cid Stoll.

United Arts’ Arts+ Awards program highlights individuals, businesses, and cultural organizations for their extraordinary contributions to the local arts community and outstanding efforts to bring the best of arts and culture to Central Florida.

Encore! Cast Choir & Orchestra: 2009 Arts + Awards Volunteer Organization of the Year

Known for performing spectacular concerts, the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra is a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 Disney Cast Members who use their talents to benefit local charities. Over the past two years, Encore! has raised more than $60,000 for United Arts of Central Florida.

“Every member of Encore! already makes millions of people happy through their work at Walt Disney World Resort,” said United Arts President and CEO Margot H. Knight. “Their willingness to share their creative talents to raise money and awareness for a variety of worthwhile causes in Central Florida during the last decade is a community gift worthy of respect and recognition.”

Since its inception in 2002, Encore! has raised more than $115,000 for local charities.

Cid Stoll: 2009 Arts + Awards Volunteer Individual of the Year

As an active member of the Central Florida arts community since 1982, Cid Stoll is hands-on in her support of cultural events. She has been a resident company member of the Orlando Theatre Project for six years, where she produces shows, coordinates volunteers, writes grants, organizes fundraising events and runs the box office. Stoll has also given a wealth of volunteer time to other local arts organizations including the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando Fringe Festival, the Orlando Rep, Central Florida Ballet and Orlando Youth Theater. By day, Stoll works for Walt Disney World Entertainment.

“Cid is the kind of volunteer every non-profit dreams of,” said United Arts President and CEO Margot H. Knight. “Her quiet professionalism, reliability, passion and selflessness are rare and valuable assets to the arts community.”

United Arts of Central Florida is a dynamic collaboration of businesses, governments, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, school districts, artists and individuals. This partnership works to enhance the quality and variety of cultural experiences available throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Since its inception in 1989, United Arts has invested more than $107 million in local cultural organizations and cultural education.