Today, the Walt Disney Studios celebrated a major expansion of its Disney Movie Moments program with a special screening of Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The kickoff event featured photo opportunities with characters, giveaways distributed by Disney VoluntEARS and meet-and-greets with some of the film’s animators.
La Rabida Children’s Hospital is one of the hospitals across the country to be a part of the program’s expansion. ABC 7 Chicago, who has a long-standing relationship with the hospital, hosted the event and was in attendance to capture reactions of the children and families who were part of the day’s activities.
“Disney is a longtime supporter of the important work children’s hospitals do, and with the Disney Movie Moments program, we aim to brighten the day of young patients by bringing the latest in Disney storytelling directly to these very special fans,” said Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. “Today, we are thrilled to be able to more than double the program’s reach to nearly 120 hospitals around the country.”
“Because of the type of care some kids require, a lot of our patients aren’t able to enjoy simple things, like going out to see a movie. As caregivers, we aim to provide experiences that allow kids to be kids, if even for a moment. We’re very lucky that organizations like Disney and our friends at ABC 7 Chicago recognize the value in those moments, and help us make events like Disney Movie Moments possible,” stated La Rabida president and CEO, Brenda Wolf.
The Disney Movie Moments program uses proprietary technology to deliver first-run films directly to children’s hospitals shortly after their theatrical debut. Since launching in 48 hospitals in 2014, nearly all new film releases from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm have been screened. Disney is the only Hollywood studio to host a program of this kind, building upon the company’s long tradition of supporting children’s hospitals.
Disney Movie Moments is a part of the Disney Team of Heroes philanthropic initiative to provide comfort and inspiration to families with children facing serious illness and to support children’s hospitals around the country. In March, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced an innovative five-year plan to dedicate more than $100 million in cash and resources to children’s hospitals.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181208005030/en/
Contacts:
The Walt Disney Studios
angela.k.shaw@disney.com
