On Thursday, November 14th, Universal Studios Hollywood hosted its 10th annual Day of Giving at 6 different locations throughout southern California.  Teaming with Operation School Bell, Universal’s Discover a Star Foundation donated 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 finally, a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Hollywood with front-of-the-line access to the park’s array of exciting shows and attractions.

I was there at the park to witness the Day of Giving first hand. It was a beautiful experience that seemed to have a profound effect on the kids. I’d like you to see the impact Universal is making in the lives of some wonderful, but disadvantaged, young folks. I think you’ll agree that this is far better than any attraction or show that a theme park could build.

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Championed by Universal Studios Hollywood Chief Operating Officer, Larry Kurzweil, the park and its subsidiaries have become increasingly involved in giving back to the community through philanthropic endeavors and fundraisers.  Similar to the “Christmas in Spring” event held in June, the idea behind the Day of Giving is a simple one, to connect and to give back to the community in a positive way.  For this particular day, Universal chose to give to six organizations in the Los Angeles area; APLA, Downtown Women’s Center, Shane’s Inspiration, Pacific Lodge Boys Home, M.E.N.D. and Operation School Bell.

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After checking in at the registration table, kids made their first stop the backpack table to pick one out for school.

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After getting a backpack for school, each child was allowed to pick books that they wanted to read from a collection of current titles and classics.
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After books and backpacks, the kids were then fitted for shoes.
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Universal Studios Hollywood Chief Operating Officer, Larry Kurzweil, helps young folks try on a brand new pair of shoes.
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Finally, each child was then taken to the Operation School Bell trailer and fitted for one week of school clothes!

Spokesperson, Dorothea G. Scattaglia, explained, “The message behind this day is to take pause and reflect on what we have and what we can give back to the community.  It’s also a day for us to give our time.”  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, “We had far more volunteers to help with the activities than were needed.”

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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.  In fact, the aim of Operation School Bell is just that, to keep homeless and and underprivileged children in school, focused on education and their future.

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Throughout the day, Universal characters like Curious George and Woody Woodpecker played with the kids and kept them entertained.

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 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.

We joined one group for a ride in the park and the experience was nothing short of miraculous. There were moments, watching these children experience movie magic, when I got a little teary-eyed.  As they ventured into the park their cares visibly melted away. Their faces changed from stoic to curious, then from grin to smile.

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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 entry way.  Our tiny group of 10 children rounded the corner through Baker Street and they suddenly spotted the façade to the attraction.  Their eyes widened and smiles reached ear to ear as they approached Gru’s deceptively ominous home. Characters from the film began to appear out in front at the meet and greet area and the smiles made way to the shrill sounds of excitement as these kids couldn’t contain themselves any more. Pure joy.

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The group finally entered the attraction and got ready to become Minions.

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The kids eagerly watched the pre-shows and were happily surprised to see the Fart Gun was filled with banana smell.

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Ready to be Minions.

 

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Jumping for joy at the exit of the attraction, where everyone has the chance to dance along with the Minions.

While this event was a direct way for Universal Studios Hollywood 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.  If each one of us pitched in and worked at some of the problems we are facing in our county, 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.

Norman Gidney
Norman Gidney, also known as Fishbulb, has produced and edited many of the articles on MiceChat over the years.