As the first residents begin to call Storyliving by Disney’s new Cotino community home, Disney is reinforcing its commitment to make meaningful and positive impacts in its communities — this time in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Recently, Disney invited 40 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coachella Valley for a day packed with exploration, imagination and hands-on learning. Following a guided tour at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the group spent the afternoon dreaming up big ideas at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert.
“As someone who lives and works in Rancho Mirage, I’m passionate about giving back to this community,” said Anthony Henry, Cotino community general manager and member of the museum’s Board of Directors. “Storyliving by Disney is committed to being a good neighbor, and this event was a great example of how Disney continues to empower children around the world to dream big and reach their full potential.”
Disney’s ongoing financial investment in the museum will be transforming its new STEAM activity space for kids and teens into a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation. Once open later this fall, the space will be fully outfitted with 3D printers, a laser cutter, screen printing equipment, audio-visual tech, sewing machines and more.
“Our museum’s mission is to spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on experiences” said Cindy Burreson, CEO of Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. “Disney’s ongoing support shows a true commitment to our community and helps us offer even more impactful programming.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs students got a sneak preview of this space firsthand, designing their own dream communities with the helpful encouragement of Disney Imagineer Caroline Boone, executive creative director for Storyliving by Disney. Boone also gave the students an inside look at life as a Disney Imagineer and how to turn a passion for science, technology, engineering, art and math into limitless career opportunities.
This event was in support of the Disney Future Storytellers initiative, which aims to inspire the next generation of storytellers and innovators to dream about their possibilities through programs that connect them to storytelling, technology and design.
“Collaborations with community organizations is at the heart of what we do at Disney. Organizations like these are deeply rooted in the community and know how to create meaningful experiences for children and families,” said Q Jones, Sr. Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility. “By working together, we’re able to amplify their impact and bring Disney’s values to life in ways that are authentic, lasting and locally relevant.”
Learn more about all the ways Disney remains committed to being a valued community partner in regions where we operate at impact.disney.com.