CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, the Walt Disney Studios celebrated a major expansion of its
Disney Movie Moments program with a special screening of Disney’s “Ralph
Breaks the Internet” at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. The
kickoff event featured photo opportunities with characters, giveaways
distributed by Disney VoluntEARS and meet-and-greets with some of the
film’s animators.
La Rabida Children’s Hospital is one of the hospitals across the country
to be a part of the program’s expansion. ABC 7 Chicago, who has a
long-standing relationship with the hospital, hosted the event and was
in attendance to capture reactions of the children and families who were
part of the day’s activities.
“Disney is a longtime supporter of the important work children’s
hospitals do, and with the Disney Movie Moments program, we aim to
brighten the day of young patients by bringing the latest in Disney
storytelling directly to these very special fans,” said Alan Bergman,
President, The Walt Disney Studios. “Today, we are thrilled to be able
to more than double the program’s reach to nearly 120 hospitals around
the country.”
“Because of the type of care some kids require, a lot of our
patients aren’t able to enjoy simple things, like going out to see a
movie. As caregivers, we aim to provide experiences that allow kids to
be kids, if even for a moment. We’re very lucky that organizations like
Disney and our friends at ABC 7 Chicago recognize the value in those
moments, and help us make events like Disney Movie Moments possible,”
stated La Rabida president and CEO, Brenda Wolf.
The Disney Movie Moments program uses proprietary technology to deliver
first-run films directly to children’s hospitals shortly after their
theatrical debut. Since launching in 48 hospitals in 2014, nearly all
new film releases from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm have
been screened. Disney is the only Hollywood studio to host a program of
this kind, building upon the company’s long tradition of supporting
children’s hospitals.
Disney Movie Moments is a part of the Disney Team of Heroes
philanthropic initiative to provide comfort and inspiration to families
with children facing serious illness and to support children’s hospitals
around the country. In March, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO
Bob Iger announced an innovative five-year plan to dedicate more than
$100 million in cash and resources to children’s hospitals.