When Walt Disney Co. recently gave $1 million to the Anaheim Boys & Girls Club, it was the latest in a tradition of community service for the theme park operator.
Former Disney executives said the company’s philosophy stays with them long after they leave the company. Some say community giving is among their fondest memories at Disney.
“Everybody at Disneyland was encouraged to participate in community events,” former Disneyland president Jack Lindquist said.
One of the biggest things the company did, according to Lindquist, was to launch the Community Service Awards in 1957.
That program, renamed this year as the “Show Your Character,” awards grants to local nonprofits. Each year, a panel of independent judges selects 30 groups from about 400 countywide to receive grants.
“That grew to be one of the most important events in Orange County,” Lindquist said. “It’s the most gratifying thing to watch small neighborhood groups (sometimes) win big awards.”
Ron Dominguez, whose family farm once sat where Rivers of America is today, started at Disneyland four days before its grand opening, working as a ticket taker at the front gate.
By the time he retired in 1984, he was executive vice president of Walt Disney Attractions, West Coast. During his time at Disney, Dominguez worked on starting the Main Street Electrical Parade, on pre-opening teams in Orlando, Fla., and Japan and was part of the team that created the original Anaheim Resort plan.
Dominguez continued his community involvement after Disney.
As a native of Orange County whose family roots can be traced to the Yorba family, he said his loyalty runs deep.
“I still give back to the community,” Dominguez said.
His main cause is helping with fund raising for the Children’s Bureau of Southern California, an organization that works to eliminate child abuse.
“It’s a great way to stay involved,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of giving back to the community and to have been a part of the things Disney has done for the community.”
,Sandi Cain
