Walt Disney World Resort in the Orlando metro area, is one of the top ten companies in the U.S. that will be recognized next month for supporting the arts, Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading non-profit organization announced Tuesday. Every year, Americans for the Arts, through the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), recognizes ten U.S. companies for their exceptional commitment to the arts through grants, local partnerships, volunteer programs, matching gifts, sponsorships and board membership.
Over its nearly 40 years, Walt Disney World Resport has continued to honor the spirit of corporate citizenship by giving back to the local arts community, Americans for the Arts said, in a statement.
Among Disney’s contributions in 2011 is a $12.5 million capital investment in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the company’s largest gift to a Central Florida arts organization. In 2010, Disney gave more than $565,000 to the local arts community, including Disney Helping Kids Shine grants to support local youth arts programs.
Last year, Clarence Otis Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Darden Restaurants based in Orlando, was among the 2010 BCA honorees for his company’s support of the performing arts.
Other 2011 BCA honorees include: Aetna, Booz Allen Hamilton, Wilde Lexus of Sarasota and Macy’s.
