Orlando, Fla - The Walt Disney World Co. announced today that it will donate $12.5 million to help build the Dr. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center (DPAC) in the heart of downtown Orlando.

"Disney's contribution toward the construction of DPAC demonstrates its committment to making Central Florida a cultural hub for the residents of our community as well as a premier tourist destination," said Dr. Rita Bornsreitn, a member of the executive committee of the DPAC board of directors.

For its significant gift, the 1,800-seat acoustical hall will be named for the Walt Disney World Co.

DPAC will be home to the region's resident organizations' performances, including the Orlando Philanthropic, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Festival of Orchestras. In addition, it will provide a venue for touring shows. The performing arts center plans to develop a mixed-use urban arts facility with two large performing halls, a 300-seat theater, educational facilities and a public plaza for outdoor performances.

"This financial investment is evidence that Disney is dedicated to helping revitalize Orlando, and I commend them for believing in The Performing Arts Center so early in our development," said DPAC President Kathy Ramsberger. Disney's gift brings the total private contributions to DPAC to $67 million.

The Dr. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center (DPAC), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation, is responsible to design, build and operate a performing arts center in Orlando. The vision of DPAC is to develop a destination that elevates the arts, provides the best arts education, generates urban renewal, and most importantly, is programmed to be fiscally responsible in construction and operations. For more information about the DPAC initiative, please visit www.orlandopac.org.