Dave Bautista, who plays Drax in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and will be featured in Avengers: Infinity War, stopped by Give Kids The World Village to meet with special fans and celebrate Hasbro’s donation of $1 million US worth of cash and products. The surprise is part of Marvel: The Universe Unites, an epic charity campaign combining the super powers of the cast of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War to help support children’s charities and count down to the launch of movie-related products on March 3.
Bautista commented, “Being here is such an honor, and to have the opportunity to spend time with the children and amazing staff of Give Kids The World who make it all happen is incredible. Hasbro’s donation will provide the gift of play and bring tremendous joy to the many children who visit.”
During his visit Bautista interacted with numerous children and delivered new toys from Avengers: Infinity War—including his new film-inspired action figure. Give Kids The World fulfills the wishes of children with critical illnesses and their families by providing them with an unforgettable trip that includes a visit to their village in Central Florida and access to Walt Disney World.
The week-long charitable event kicked off with a social media challenge for the stars of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War. Cast members received special toy care packages filled with new products celebrating their Marvel character to be donated to children’s hospitals. Their mission? To create a picture or video to reveal the new toys to fans and post on social media with the goal of collectively reaching a million likes. The Super Heroes moved at record speed with their #HeroActs posts and reached the goal in less than 24 hours, unlocking a $250,000 donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Some of the Super Heroes to lend support to this campaign include:
- Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier)
- Karen Gillan (Nebula)
- Paul Bettany (Vision)
- Mark Ruffalo (Hulk)
- Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man)
- Dave Bautista (Drax)
- Don Cheadle (War Machine)
- Zoe Zaldana (Gamora)
- Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther)
- Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow)
Rounding out the week, on Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, shopDisney.com and Disney store will donate 10% of weekend Marvel product sales to Make-A-Wish® (up to $50,000 US) in support of Marvel: The Universe Unites.