Disney Cast Members Step Up for Healthy Hearts at 2014 Greater Orlando Heart Walk
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2014 – More than 450 Disney Cast Members stepped up for the American Heart Association (AHA) at the 2014 Greater Orlando Heart Walk, held Saturday at the University of Central Florida’s Memory Mall. Cast Members from throughout Central Florida helped the AHA make strides in its fight against heart disease and stroke before they even crossed the finish line, forming teams to raise more than $23,000 for research and education.
Held in Orlando since 1994, the AHA’s signature fundraising event is a tradition for Disney VoluntEARS, as well as the Central Florida community. With the fundraising efforts of Disney Cast Members, who have participated in the annual event since 2007, Walt Disney World Resort ranks among the AHA’s top contributors in Central Florida. This year’s teams – whose names included “Ahoy Me HEARTies,” “The Happiest of Hearts” and “Mickey’s PhilHEARTmagic – reflected the spirit of Cast Members throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
“Each year, Disney VoluntEARS look forward to taking part in the Greater Orlando Heart Walk with friends, family and fellow Cast Members,” said Janet Burnley, vice president for compensation, human resources information systems, workforce planning and health/wellness for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The event not only highlights the benefits of heart health, it gives Disney Cast Members the chance to share their enthusiasm for health and wellness.”
Heart disease and stroke hit close to home for many Disney Cast Members who live and work in Central Florida. Heart disease accounts for 41,737 deaths in Florida, making it the state’s top health concern. More than 63 percent of Floridians are overweight or obese. And across the Sunshine State, 31 percent of residents have high blood pressure and 40 percent have high cholesterol.
Local Cast Members’ participation in this year’s AHA event is just part of Disney’s commitment to Central Florida. In the past year, Walt Disney World Resort donated $36.5 million in cash and in-kind support to local nonprofit organizations. In 2013, Disney VoluntEARS contributed more than 308,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, with services ranging from donating millions of school supplies to local students to serving more than 9,000 meals to the homeless.
