Disney Spreads Magic to Military Families Nationwide
Disney’s long-standing commitment to U.S. military families continues! This June, Disney delivered special care packages filled with fun and essentials to nearly 100 Fisher Houses nationwide, strengthening the partnership with Fisher House Foundation.
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Fisher Houses offer free, temporary lodging to military and veteran families, allowing them to be close to their loved ones receiving medical care at a nearby military medical center or VA Hospitals. A few days ago, Disney visited the very first Fisher House located at the legendary Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. with Mickey Mouse to deliver some care packages in person.
This visit was part of an initiative to deliver care packages of Disney-themed products to nearly 100 Fisher Houses across the country from Anchorage to Miami. Disney’s goal is to help each Fisher House team bring some joy to the military and veteran families staying there during a difficult time.
Several Fisher Houses located in areas near Disney businesses received personal visits from Disney VoluntEARS including Disney Store cast members, carrying packages topped with giant red bows to deliver to Fisher House employees.
Some of the Houses even received visits from Disney characters, including Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck as Disney expressed gratitude to the nonprofit for making such a difference in the lives of countless military and veteran families. Also, present at the delivery in Bethesda was U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Rick Freedman, Deputy Surgeon General who provided brief remarks thanking the incredible people at the Fisher House who provide a home away from home for service members recovering from their wounds.
“Disney has a longstanding appreciation for those who have served in the U.S. military,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “We are honored to make this contribution to Fisher House Foundation to continue our support of military and veteran families when they need it most.”
Veteran’s Home Away from Home
For more than 30 years, Fisher House has provided a “home away from home” for more than 500,000 military and veteran families of patients at 97 locations nationwide and overseas. Disney has long enjoyed making magic at the Orlando Fisher House every holiday season and Disney is now honored to help every Fisher House team with their mission of supporting these military and veteran families going through difficult times.
“We are thrilled that Disney has continued to support Fisher House Foundation,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation Inc. “These Disney-themed household goods will provide a great deal of levity for families who sometimes travel great distances to visit their loved ones. Fisher House has worked with the military and the VA to serve veterans and their families for over 30 years, and companies like Disney championing these veteran causes help us continue to provide basic needs to the loved ones of those who have served.”
A Disney VoluntEARS Ties to the Fisher House
For one Disney cast member, the initiative to support the Fisher House mission nationwide is especially meaningful.
“Growing up in a U.S. Army family, I have lived on various military bases across the country,” said Donavan McLean, communications intern for Disney Experiences. “My stepfather once had a heart condition that forced him to be rushed to a veteran hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The local Fisher House we stayed in were our heroes as they hosted my family as he received care. It’s beyond special to now be able to help give back to the Fisher House as part of the Disney team.”
With this donation, Disney is continuing its existing collaborative relationship with Fisher House Foundation that began in 2016 at the Invictus Games Orlando. Since then, Disney has collaborated with the Fisher House team on the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, the eighth Veterans Institute Summit held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Aug 19-20, 2022, and more.
Grace Renteria, manager of the Disney Store, Houston Premium Outlets, is part of a proud military family with a strong bond that spans many years and bases. Her husband is a retired member of the United States Air Force, and her twin boys currently serve in the Air Force as well. Grace was one of the Disney VoluntEARS who delivered care packages to the local Fisher House in Houston, and she shared her enthusiasm for the initiative.
“Creating this new collaboration with Fisher House just signifies the service and commitment to supporting military families in a serious time of need. Which is dear to my heart,” she said. “This expanded relationship is going to enhance our Disney VoluntEARS opportunities where we can give to our local communities and to those that serve our great country. I feel honored to be a part of this special event.”
Disney has continued to celebrate members of the U.S. military community and their families in many ways over the past century. Taking the time to volunteer in communities is one of many ways Disney cast members honor the men and women who served in our nation’s military. Please join us in continuing to appreciate service members, their families, and organizations like Fisher House Foundation.
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