When I started thinking about what I wanted to say in a Disney Inside & Out year-end wrap-up, several things immediately came to mind: the opening of DCA and Tokyo Disney Seas, the cutbacks at Disney Resorts, the layoffs experienced by Cast Members, the box office successes and failures from Walt Disney Pictures, closures of attractions, even the ever changing Annual Passport programs. Let's face it: it hasn't exactly been a banner year for the Mouse, but then again it hasn't been for ANY company. I soon realized that all of that news was overshadowed by the horrific events that took place in September, so I decided instead to focus on what Disney is really all about - making people happy , good old-fashioned magic, and a awful lot of heart.
Immediately following the tragedy Disney announced the DisneyHand fund. Cast Members were encouraged to contribute to the fund, and those funds were matched dollar for dollar by the Walt Disney Company. The generosity of the Cast Members has been overwhelming, and the fund continues to grow.
Disney was recently the sole corporate sponsor of a the Winter Wonderland that New York City hosted on Manhattan's Pier 94. Some of you may be aware that Pier 94 is the site where services are being provided to the families of the victims of the WTC attack. For three magical days the pier was transformed.
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy were on hand to meet and greet children of the victims, and even pose for what I'm sure was a memorable photograph. Hearing the story of young boy who had lost his father in the World Trade Center attack, who upon seeing Goofy, ran up to him to give him a big hug and excitedly inform him that he was his father's favorite character, reminds me of the magic this company has created for generations.
Disney VouluntEARS were on hand to pass out thousand-dollar checks to each of the victims' families. The money for this came directly from Cast Members and the Company Match donations. The families are finding the funds useful for things like moving closer to other family members, providing Holiday gifts, or simply getting back on their feet. One father said the money wold help to provide his nine-month-old baby girl with gifts for her first Christmas. His wife worked in one of the Trade Center towers and was lost.
Children were given a Magical Disney Snowflake, which they were able to redeem for Disney videos, a book and a plush toy.
What is clear is that the money was secondary. The important thing that the participants in this event came away with is that people care, and that they remember. Hearing these stories makes it clear to me that the Walt Disney Company cares, that what they provide goes beyond anything monetary or financial. They provide a great deal of magic. Many of the parents said this was the first time their children had smiled since September 11. For three days in NYC and for all the days year round Disney provides a heck of a lot of smiles.
So as we reflect on the business that is the Walt Disney Company, let's not focus on the 90 minutes of early entry that has been lost, let's forget about the hotel room closings, the shorter hours, the inconvenience of having our bags checked, and let's try and remember the Smiles.
That is what I am going to remember about the Walt Disney Company in 2001.
Here is wishing each and every one of you a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.
Boards
