On May 22, the ‘”Power of 10” held a fundraiser breakfast at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its purpose was to raise monies for Give Kids the World, a charity focused on helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families enjoy Central Florida attractions.
The breakfast was called “Power of 10 Confronts the Power of the Dark Side,” a reference to the event’s timing during the opening weekend of Star Wars Weekends 2011. It was organized by Dave Parfitt, special correspondent for the DIS Unplugged podcast. The event's highlights captured the excitement of Star Wars Weekends and the opening of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
More than 120 people registered for the event, with admission fees to the breakfast being donated (minus costs) to Give Kids the World. Nearly $2500 was raised for the organization.
Recap of the “Power of 10” breakfast held during opening Star Wars Weekend
Sunday’s event included a 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. breakfast buffet at the Backlot Express. The restaurant provided a meet-and-greet area for guests who represented various online Disney fan communities and their collective interest in supporting Give Kids the World.
In addition to the “Power of 10” breakfast itself, the morning offered these special activities and surprises:
- A meet-and-greet with Anthony Daniels,who played C-3PO in the “Star Wars” films and voices the character in the Star Tours attraction. Mr. Daniels unexpectedly posed for pictures with event attendees.
- An informal opportunity to chat with Disney Imagineer Diego Parras, who is involved with the attraction Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Mr. Parras arrived shortly after breakfast and stayed well after the event had officially ended, answering questions and talking with guests.
- A silent auction of donated items, many of which were “Star Wars” related. Also on the auction block were autographed items by "Weird Al" Yankovic and Yeeha Bob Jackson, a Disney Driven Life backpack, Epic Mickey, two quilts (Disney and "The Clone Wars"), and a dining experience with Kevin Klose and John Magi of the DIS Unplugged. Mr. Daniels graciously donated special “Star Wars” items for the auction, which he then autographed in a private session with the winning bidders.
Guests were encouraged by Disney Cast Members to leave the event in order to ride Star Tours when the park first opened or to get a FASTPASS, if they so desired. They were then welcomed to return for the close of the silent auction or to meet the event’s special guests.
For another perspective on the ‘Power of 10’ breakfast, listen to the DIS Unplugged podcast labeled “Star Tours 2 Review.”
Disney fans support Power of 10 and Give Kids the World
“Power of 10 Confronts the Power of the Dark Side” is one of many events being organized through “Power of 10: Give Kids the World $1 Million Challenge.” The challenge’s goal is to raise $1 million for Give Kids the World by calling on the collective energy, ideas and power of Disney fans.
The premise of ‘Power of 10” is straighforward. Find 10,000 Disney fans who will commit to asking 10 friends to donate $10 each to Give Kids the World, for a total of $1 million. Disney fans are encouraged to find creative ways to raise the fund, such as the Star Wars Weekends breakfast event.
Give Kids The World is a non-profit resort in Central Florida dedicated to helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families create magical memories.
The organization provides a cost-free, week-long vacation and the necessary support for children and their families. It has welcomed more than 100,000 families from over 70 countries and all 50 states.
Disney fans may learn more about the “Power of 10,” its events and Give Kids the World. Readers who wish to make a donation to the organization as part of the ‘Power of 10” challenge may do so through the First Giving website, where the money collected is sent directly to GKTW (less a 7.5% processing fee).
Disney fans can also text the word DISGKTW to 50555 to send a $10 donation directly to Give Kids the World, with 100% of those monies going to the organization.
Alternately, donations are accepted through Give Kid the World’s directs website using a credit card or checkings/savings account. On the Give Kids the World page, simply add “Power of 10” in the comment box to let the organization know the donation is connected to the Disney fan community challenge.
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