On Thursday, November 12th, Universal Studios Hollywood hosted its 11th annual Day of Giving. Teaming up with charity Operation School Bell, Universal’s Discover a Star Foundation kept the tradition of generosity alive by donating education essentials to young folks in need and provided a day of fun to each and every one of them. Each child received one week worth of clothing, a backpack, books, a new pair of shoes, a huge lunch, and a day of fun at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Spearheaded by Universal Studios Hollywood Chief Operating Officer, Larry Kurzweil, the park and its subsidiaries continue to be heavily involved in giving back to the community through philanthropic endeavors and fundraisers. Similar to the “Christmas in Spring” event held every June, The Day of Giving is held at at 6 different locations throughout southern California in an effort to give back to the less fortunate ones in the community. While the “Day of Giving” was centered at the Hollywood theme park, there were other satellite events throughout the Los Angeles area including A Place Called Home, AIDS Project L.A. (APLA), Pacific Lodge Boys’ Home, Covenant House L.A. and Shane’s Inspiration.
Spokesperson, Dorothea G. Scattaglia, explained, “Every year around this time we like to stop and reflect on what we have and what we are thankful for. As a company, Universal takes this time to reach out to those in our local community who are in need.” It takes 200 Universal employees volunteering their entire day to orchestrate this event for over 250 homeless and underprivileged children registered through various partners in the Los Angeles area. “This is a big part of our company environment,” Scattaglia added, “Everyone is out here, from our President, Larry, down to the front of the line employees.”
After the kids had a chance to pick out a backpack, grab some books, get a new pair of shoes, and be fitted for clothes, they were fully equipped for school. The aim of Operation School Bell is just that, to keep homeless and and underprivileged children in school, focused on education and focused on the future.
After the kids got the items they needed for school, they headed into the park for a day of fun. Many of these kids had never set foot in Universal, or any theme park for that matter. Universal literally rolled out the red carpet for them as they enjoyed an all you can eat buffet inside the park and front-of-the-line access to all of the rides.
MiceChat joined one group for a trip into the park. The experience was inspiring to say the least. The kids were all polled on what they wanted to ride first. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem was the top attraction on their list and we headed down the main entryway.
The children rounded the corner through Baker Street and they suddenly spotted the façade to the attraction. Characters from the film began to appear out in front at the meet and greet area and the smiles gave way to the shrill sounds of excitement as these kids couldn’t contain themselves any more. The entire huddled in to take pictures with the lovable, yellow characters.
Time to ride! Without having to wait in the lines, the small group of kids were treated like VIPs and were ushered through the A Gate access line and walked right onto the attraction.
While Universal Studios Hollywood Day of Giving was a direct way for Universal to give back to the community, they also provide grants and hold fundraisers throughout the year to over 60 organizations in the LA area. Dorothea G. Scattaglia summed things up nicely, ”The most important thing is that we as human beings have a responsibility to give back. Not just writing check, but giving of our time, connecting on a human level.” She went on to point out that if each one of us pitched in and worked at some of the problems we are facing in our communities, we could make a big difference.
Our sincerest thanks to Universal, who created an incredibly special day for some wonderful kids in the community, and perhaps changed the trajectory of some young lives in the process.
You must be logged in to post a comment.