Organization provides grocery items to furloughed and laid off Disney employees
The producers of Why? Because It’s Christmas have announced they will add an organization from the Disney family to the list of beneficiaries for the project, Cast Member Pantry. The non-profit was founded by Disney cast member Emily Lartigue in response to the now over 28,000 employees of Disney’s theme parks whose lives were disrupted by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to the worldwide economy. The organization provides monthly food essentials to members within the Cast Member family who are in need. In a partnership with Always In The Club and its MMC’89 Initiative, the reunited Mouseketeers are donating a portion of the gross proceeds from the upcoming holiday album, set for a November 27th release, and virtual release party on the same day, to the Cast Member Pantry. Several of the Mouseketeers will also be volunteering in support of the Cast Member Pantry’s efforts in Florida and California.
“The recent COVID related layoffs have been excruciating for our MMC family,” says former Mouseketeer Chasen Hampton. “Our beloved magic makers are at the heart of any memory ever made in the place we all call home. The amount of smiles they’ve created, memories they’ve made and dreams they’ve granted… that’s forever, and we couldn’t be more proud to call them family.”
“We are so thankful for this partnership, lots of exciting things coming from this group! They are so eager to help us serve the Cast Member community,” adds Cast Member Pantry
Why? Because It’s Christmas features holiday classics by En Vogue’s Rhona Bennett, The Voice’s Tony Lucca, The People v. OJ Simpson’s Dale Godboldo, and Hollywood Record’s The Party group members Deedee Magno Hall and Chasen Hampton. In all, 17 Mouseketeers have reunited for the album that also includes tracks from Nikki DeLoach (Hallmark Channel, MTV’s Awkward), Tasha Danner (Portlandia), David Kater (Miss Saigon, Gnome Alone), Jennifer McGill, Lindsey Alley, Jason “Blain” Carson, Mylin Brooks-Stoddard, Raquel “Roque” Herring, Nita Young, Jason Minor, TJ Fantini, and Marc Worden (Voice of Iron Man/Tony Stark, Star Trek: TNG).
In addition to Cast Member Pantry, gross proceeds from the album and virtual event will also support MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy for music people in times of need, and The Brave Of Heart Fund that provides financial assistance to the families of healthcare workers who lose their lives to COVID-19.
The ‘All New’ Mickey Mouse Club debuted in 1989 on the newly launched Disney Channel and all seven seasons were taped at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly, MGM Studios) in Walt Disney World.
Cast Member Pantry makes it quick and easy to receive free food essentials once a month per Cast Member. Each cast member will receive a reusable grocery bag filled with foods that are easily put together to make meals for four, with breakfast and snack options as well.
Launched in 2012, Always In The Club, LLC (AITC) has grown to be a trusted platform for corporate and fan engagement with reunited cast members. AITC is principally focused on sponsoring both large-scale and intimate fan experiences that support social impact efforts and charitable organizations. The principles of AITC founded Always In The Club Foundation and the MMC’89 Initiative to broaden its philanthropic efforts in support of the Global Goals for a better world by 2030.
