In honor of World Wish Day, The Walt Disney Company made a $1 million donation to Make-A-Wish during the “Once Upon a Disney Wish” Disney Cruise Line event.
(Disney)
What’s Happening:
- While unveiling new details about the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Wish, Disney made a donation of $1 million to Make-A-Wish.
- The announcement was made on World Wish Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish.
- One out of every two wishes in the U.S. is a Disney wish, including visits to theme parks and Disney cruises.
- To celebrate the announcement, performing artist Syndee Winters performed “When You Wish Upon a Star” with Disney characters and Make-A-Wish alumni on the Funnel Vision screen behind her.
- This was a personal event for Syndee Winters, who’s brother was a Make-A-Wish recipient who chose a Disney Cruise as his wish in 2010.
What They’re Saying:
- Bob Chapek, chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company: “Making wishes come true is a big part of Disney’s DNA, and on World Wish Day, I want to say how proud we are to partner with organizations like Make-A-Wish. When we join forces, we’re able to make magic happen and be a source of hope and optimism for others, and we look forward to working together to create even more special moments for deserving wish kids and their families in the years to come.”
- Richard Davis, president and chief executive officer, Make-A-Wish America: “Knowing that Disney’s next cruise ship will be the Disney Wish, I can’t help but think of the countless children who have experienced the power of a wish come true to help them overcome so many challenges. Make-A-Wish gives families hope when it matters most, and that hope is needed now more than ever. I’m grateful for Disney’s ongoing support to help us deliver even more joy and strength to families.”
- Syndee Winters: “Make-A-Wish has a really special place in my heart. In 2010, my youngest brother Logan was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma, so he became eligible for Make-A-Wish. His wish was to go on a cruise, and Make-A-Wish made that happen … Now Logan is 16, and he’s beaten the glioma – and he is thriving. Any chance I get, I stop what I’m doing to meet a young child who is part of Make-A-Wish because it means a lot to me, and it did great things for my family.”