Disney donates $1 million to Make-A-Wish on World Wish Day
To celebrate World Wish Day and the unveiling of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, The Walt Disney Company announced a $1 million donation to Make-A-Wish.
This donation is earmarked to reach more Make-A-Wish kids from all backgrounds, support Disney’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“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,” said Bob Chapek, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “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.”
These remarks kicked off a virtual Disney showcase in which viewers “stepped aboard” the Disney Wish for an overview of what to expect when it sets sail next summer.
Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have helped to grant wishes for more than 145,000 children with critical illnesses around the world. Historically, one out of every two wishes granted in the U.S. is a Disney wish, with many involving visits to global Disney destinations and sailings with Disney Cruise Line.
“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,” said Richard Davis, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish America. “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.”
Many Make-A-Wish alumni, who have had Disney Cruise Line wishes granted over the past 20 years, were featured in the virtual production. The showcase concluded with a rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star,” performed by Syndee Winters, Disney on Broadway star and international performing artist, who has a personal connection to the foundation.
“Make-A-Wish has a really special place in my heart,” said Winters. “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.”
To learn more about Make-A-Wish America, visit Wish.org.
