Disney and Points of Light Announce National Search for the “Volunteer Family of the Year” in Honor of Thriving Volunteer Movement

ATLANTA (May 22, 2019) – Disney and Points of Light announced the national search for the Volunteer Family of the Year. Nonprofits and schools registered for the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program can nominate an exceptional volunteer family for this contest. Disney and Points of Light have inspired more than 2 million hours of service through the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program, which rewards eligible U.S. nonprofits and schools for hosting family-friendly volunteer projects with Disney Parks tickets.

Since the program launched in January 2018, more than 86,000 families have volunteered and more than 7,000 nonprofits and schools have participated, including more than 1,000 that had never hosted family-friendly volunteer projects before.

“Engaging families in service – especially young families – is the path to a life-long commitment to being civically engaged,” said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. “This collaboration with Disney has been transformational, and we’re excited to continue this celebration and honor families and organizations who share this commitment to giving back.”

“We believe that when families play, explore, learn, and work together, the scene is set for magical memories that last a lifetime,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Family volunteering deepens bonds, and strengthens communities — and with a little pixie dust in the form of a visit to our parks, this program has made a significant difference.”

Points of Light and Disney have had a long-standing relationship and commitment to family volunteerism. Last year, Points of Light released the “Global Volunteerism Journey Report,” underwritten by The Walt Disney Company, a first-of-its-kind study that examines the similarities and differences in family volunteering from five countries around the world. Disney has also been a long-time sponsor of Family Volunteer Day, an annual day of service that takes place each year in November. This year, the family chosen as the Volunteer Family of the Year will be recognized and invited to participate in a unique family service project at Walt Disney World Resort for Family Volunteer Day.

To learn more about how your nonprofit or school can participate in the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program, visit www.pointsoflight.org/disneyrewards.

*** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter contest between 5/16/19 at 9:00 a.m. EDT and 6/20/19 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C., and Puerto Rico. Limit 1 nomination per nonprofit organization/school. There is 1 prize available to be won by a nominated family (ARV: $10,000), and 5 grants to be won by nominating non-profits/schools totaling $30,000. WINNING FAMILY MUST TRAVEL TO WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT^® IN FLORIDA ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 23, 2019. See Official Rules for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Points of Light, 600 Means Street, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30318.

About Points of Light

Points of Light – the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service – mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities across 37 countries and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than sixty years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; the world’s largest games licensor across all platforms; more than 200 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.