Walt Disney World’s Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra Presents Gift to Dr. Phillips Center

 With perfect timing for the holidays, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has received a special gift of $27,000 from the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 Walt Disney World Cast Members.

 Encore! Artistic Director and Founder Clay Price and Producer Bruce Light recently gave the donation to the Dr. Phillips Center on behalf of the group, which chose the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as its 2011 beneficiary.  Encore!’s $27,000 gift was raised through benefit concerts held earlier this year and other fundraising efforts.

“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the future of performing arts in Orlando and the Dr. Phillips Center,” said Encore! Producer Bruce Light. “Fostering creativity is just part of who we are as Disney Cast Members. It’s been a real treat to share our talents in support of the local arts community as it grows.”

Founded in 2002, Encore! gives Walt Disney World Cast Members and their families the opportunity to showcase their talents and perform great music for worthy causes. Since its inception, Encore! has raised more than $150,000 for local charities.

“Encore! believes in this project. This gift was an incredible, heartfelt gesture which speaks volumes.  Disney and its Cast Members continue to be a gift to this community in so many ways. We are truly grateful,” stated Kathy Ramsberger, Center president.

Walt Disney World Resort has shown continued support to the Center and its mission, most notably by pledging $12.5 million to sponsor a 2,700-seat theater, the largest of the Center’s three halls. The Center has raised nearly $93 million in private contributions thus far.