Entertainment
PHOTOS: Mayors Demings, Dyer Declare December 3 Walt Disney World Day
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings honored Walt Disney World Resort by declaring December 3 “Walt Disney World Day” in an event at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
After the proclamation, a group of Disney VoluntEars helped sort and pack food to be distributed to thousands of families in need throughout Central Florida.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (3rd from right) and Disney VoluntEars pack boxes with food to distribute to needy families during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO Dave Krepcho pointed out that the distribution center was made with the collaboration of the Disney Imagineers, the engineers that create many of the attractions in the theme parks. “They made such an incredible environment that truly inspires,” he said. “When the pandemic broke out, Disney was there first, asking ‘what do you need’ and ‘how can we support you,’ and they were there and kept us strong right from the start, helping us to help the community in such a strong day.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO David Krepcho speaks during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Second Harvest was one of six nonprofits that received $3 million in Walt Disney World donations this past year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle received the proclamation, saying “it was an honor” to work with nonprofits. “We are fortunate to have been in this community for fifty years,” he added.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right) present their respective “Walt Disney World Day” proclamations to Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Mayor Dyer said that Disney “has had such an impact in Central Florida in so many visible ways, but also in so many not-so-visible ways. We all have a story about Disney, and Disney is all about the power of their stories. Since 1971, Disney has provided hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of ‘voluntEAR’ hours for the community.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Among the donations to the city, Disney has donated to the Walt Disney Amphitheater in Lake Eola, and is one of the founding donors of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts. Also, Disney donated a million dollars to help survivors and their families of the Pulse tragedy.
Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and other county and city elected officials pose for a photo with Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Mayor Demings remarked that his connection to Disney reaches all the way back to the 70s, when he worked as a cast member. “In serving this community as long as I have, I have seen the countless number of individuals, cast members and other opportunities that Disney has provided to our community to give back. The time spent making magic for guests from all around the world stays with you forever,” he said.
Demings also pointed out how Disney has contributed to the economy of Central Florida, not only donating money but also providing hundreds of thousands of jobs, as well as collecting and distributing 830,000 pounds of prepared, unserved meals through Disney Harvest. “In 2020 alone these donations provided one million meals to residents in need,” he said.
Disney has also donated $100 million through its children’s hospital program, which benefits patients in Orlando Health, Advent Health, and Nemours.
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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment writer for Florida National News. He is also the Content Coordinator for FNN News en Español. | info@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
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Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
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