Disney Hosted Chef’s Gala Raises a Record $296,000 for Heart of Florida United Way LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 7, 2013 – Twenty-four top chefs from Central Florida’s finest dining establishments, including 12 from the Walt Disney World Resort, participated in the 21st Annual Chef’s Gala at Epcot World Showplace, raising a record $296,000 for Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW). “This year’s Chef’s Gala was yet another outstanding success especially considering the economic challenges still facing our community,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President/CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Thanks to the dedication of our co-chairs, Disney, the chefs and our title sponsor Tupperware, 95 percent of all money raised will go to help our neighbors, friends, family and co-workers who have fallen on hard times recently.” The money raised will benefit local non-profit programs supported by United Way that provide food, shelter and other services in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. “Walt Disney World is proud to have hosted and sponsored the Chef’s Gala event for the past 21 years,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Walt Disney World Community Relations, “In addition to our annual workplace giving campaign and loaned executives, our support of this event is one more way that we can help the Heart of Florida United Way impact those in need in Central Florida.” Disney Cast Members give generously to the annual workplace campaign, contributing more than $2 million each year. The following establishments participated in Chef’s Gala 2013: Artist Point Disney’s Wilderness Lodge California Grill Disney’s Contemporary ResortFlying Fish CafeDisney’s BoardWalkThe Hollywood Brown DerbyDisney’s Hollywood Studios® Kona Café Disney’s Polynesian Resort Le Cellier Steakhouse Epcot®
Narcoossee’s Disney’s Grad Floridian Resort & Spa Sanaa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Tusker House Restaurant
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