Director – Leadership Giving & Partnership

Disney Dreamers Academy to collaborate with Boys & Girls Clubs to inspire more students. Hi everyone! Disney Dreamers Academy has announced a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs to inspire more students in a year-round, multi-year experience. Now nearing its 20th year, Disney Dreamers Academy will reach more students starting earlier. The initial pilot phase will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston metropolitan areas. That is a marked change from past years, which were geared toward high school students. Read below for more information from Disney Dreamers Academy. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (September 29, 2026) - As Disney Dreamers Academy approaches its 20th anniversary, Walt Disney World Resort is evolving the program to expand its reach through a new collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs, empowering even more young people to dream beyond imagination through mentorship, career exploration and transformative experiences in the communities where they live and at Walt Disney World Resort. For nearly two decades, Walt Disney World has selected 100 high school students across the country annually to participate in Disney Dreamers Academy. The program has played a meaningful role in shaping participants' educational and professional journeys and will continue reaching students from a wide range of backgrounds, including many of the communities that have long been at the heart of Disney Dreamers Academy. A New Chapter for Disney Dreamers Academy Now, Walt Disney World is building on that legacy by expanding Disney Dreamers Academy into a year-round, multi-year experience designed to reach students earlier and keep them connected to the program over time. As part of an initial pilot, developed in collaboration with participating Boys & Girls Clubs and youth development experts, the initiative will bring Disney Dreamers Academy to middle school Club members in the Orlando, Miami, Atlanta and Houston metropolitan areas. These four locations were selected based on Disney's existing presence and relationships with families and organizations in these communities, creating a strong foundation of support for participating students. "I've seen firsthand the confidence, connections and opportunities Disney Dreamers Academy has provided students over the past 19 years," said Sivonne Davis, Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Walt Disney World. "The impact this program has had on young people, their families and the communities around them is remarkable, and this builds on the foundation to inspire students to explore their potential and dream beyond what they imagined possible." Reaching Students Through Local Boys & Girls Clubs The first class of Disney Dreamers in this new chapter will include 200 students selected by participating Boys & Girls Clubs, and will be announced this October, with programming beginning in January 2027. The pilot will draw on the deep connections participating Boys & Girls Clubs have with the young people and families they serve, bringing Disney Dreamers Academy into trusted community spaces while sustaining its commitment of empowering diverse populations of students. "This next chapter is about meeting students where they are and helping them discover what's possible for their future at an earlier age," said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. "By working alongside local Boys & Girls Clubs, we can reach more students and provide meaningful experiences that support their growth over time." What Students Will Experience Through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences, Disney Dreamers will engage in activities designed to support their personal and academic growth, including: * Year-round Programming that Unlocks New Possibilities: Through hands-on experiences, workshops and interactive programming led by Disney Cast Members and experts, students will explore subjects and career paths ranging from engineering to animal sciences, inspiring them to discover new interests and possibilities for their future. * Connecting with Disney Mentors Who Inspire Their Future: Students will become part of a community that connects them with Disney Cast Members and fellow Dreamers, creating meaningful relationships that offer inspiration and support throughout their journey while introducing them to professionals whose backgrounds and experiences may reflect their own. * Building Confidence Through Continued Support: Year-round programming will help students develop their confidence and leadership skills, while strengthening their connection to mentors, peers, and local communities that can encourage them as they grow. * Disney Experiences that Bring Their Journey to Life: Students will experience Disney in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and through visits to Walt Disney World, creating memorable moments that expose them to new possibilities and bring their journey full circle. "Programs like this create the exposure and opportunities that help our young people dream beyond their circumstances and see new possibilities for their future," said Jamie Merrill, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. "Disney's investment doesn't just expand horizons, it has the power to change lives and create lasting impact in our communities." To support the program, Walt Disney World will make an investment across participating Boys & Girls Clubs over the program's first two years, spanning the current school year and the 2027-28 school year. Additional details about Disney Dreamers Academy's next chapter will be shared in the coming months.

New York Life and Boys & Girls Clubs Announce $75,000 Donation Through Strikeout Series Partnership TMCnet News [September 25, 2026] | / | New York Life and Boys & Girls Clubs Announce $75,000 Donation Through Strikeout Series Partnership New York Life today donated $75,000 to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club through its Strikeout Series partnership with the New York Yankees. The gift resulted from $100 pledged for every strikeout by a Yankees pitcher during home games this season. The funding will support programs and resources that help young people learn and grow. Representatives from the New York Life Foundation, the New York Yankees and both Boys & Girls Clubs celebrated the donation during an on-field presentation at Yankee Stadium before today's game. "We are thrilled to support the Kips Bay and Madison Square Boys & Girls Clubs through this year's Strikeout Series and to celebrate the incredible role Boys & Girls Clubs play in the lives of young people," said Heather Nesle, president of the New York Life Foundation. "Young people need caring adults who show up for them consistently - people who listen, encourage them and help them see what's possible. Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, including through our Coaching the Future initiative, is one way we're helping ensure more young people have that support." Supporting the people who help young people thrive The Foundation's support for Boys & Girls Clubs extends beyond the Strikeout Series. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a key partner in Coaching the Future, the New York Life Foundation's initiative to expand young people's access to trusted coaching and mentorship. Through Coaching the Future, the Foundation is investing an initial $15 million over three years to help train 25,000 coaches and mentors nationwide. As a marquee partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America will receive $3.2 million and work with the Foundation to strengthen youth sports programs through coach training, equipment and facility upgrades and community activations. "Every young person deserves adults who believe in them and opportunities that help them discover what they can achieve. New York Life's support will help us continue creating those opportunities for young people in our community - giving them a safe place to learn, play, build confidence and form relationships with caring mentors," said Daniel Quintero, executive director of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. "The impact of this support goes well beyond the programs and resources it makes possible. It gives us the ability to create more opportunities for young people to learn, grow, build confidence and see what is possible for their futures. We're incredibly grateful to New York Life and the Yankees for investing in the potential of New York City's young people," said Elaine Rocha, chief executive officer of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. Turning strikeouts into community impact Since its launch in 2024, the Strikeout Series has transformed on-field performance into support for organizations serving New York City youth and families. In 2025, the program supported three Bronx YMCA branches, funding recreation, supplies and enrichment programs. "Baseball has a unique ability to bring New Yorkers together, and the Strikeout Series partnership between New York Life and the New York Yankees has provided an opportunity to turn the Yankees' success on the field into meaningful support for young people across our cit," said Brian Smith, New York Yankees senior vice president of Corporate/Community Relations. "We are thrilled to again stand alongside such an engaged community partner as New York Life as they support the critically needed recreational and educational programming of the Kips Bay and Madison Square Boys & Girls Clubs." Frequently asked questions How much did New York Life donate through the 2026 Strikeout Series? New York Life donated $75,000 to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, based on $100 for every strikeout by a Yankees pitcher during home games this season. Which organizations received the funding? Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, both serving New York City youth. How does the Strikeout Series work? New York Life pledges $100 for each strikeout recorded by a Yankees pitcher during regular-season home games and then donates the resulting total to organizations serving New York City youth. How is this connected to Coaching the Future? Coaching the Future is a separate initiative of the New York Life Foundation that launched with an initial $15 million, three-year commitment to train 25,000 coaches and mentors nationwide. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a marquee partner in that initiative, receiving $3.2 million in grant funding to advance youth sports, support Club staff training and create new play spaces. Who did the Strikeout Series support in past years? In 2025, the program supported three Bronx YMCA branches, funding recreation, supplies and enrichment programs. In 2024, the inaugural year of the partnership, the program supported SCAN Harbor, the largest youth service provider in Harlem, East Harlem and the South Bronx. ABOUT NEW YORK LIFE New York Life Insurance Company (www.newyorklife.com), a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest[1] mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world. Headquartered in New York City, New York Life's family of companies offers life insurance, disability income insurance, retirement income, investments, and long-term care insurance. New York Life has the highest financial strength ratings currently awarded to any U.S. life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies.[2] ABOUT THE NEW YORK YANKEES Founded in 1903, the New York Yankees (www.yankees.com and @yankees on social media) are the most successful and popular team in Major League Baseball history, having won 27 World Series championships and 41 American League pennants. The club plays its home games at Yankee Stadium, which is one of New York City's most-frequented tourist destinations and a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award winner again in 2026. The venue is also home to numerous non-baseball events, including college football's Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. As a result of their on-field accomplishments and iconic interlocking "NY" logo, the Yankees are among the most recognizable brands in the world. ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Nearly 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. [1] Based on revenue as reported by "Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual)," Fortune magazine, 6/3/2026. For methodology, please see https://fortune.com/ranking/fortune500/#methodology . [2] Individual independent rating agency commentary as of 10/28/2025: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody's Investors Service (Aa1), Standard & Poor's (AA+). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260925287109/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage] |

Life is Good co-founder Bert Jacobs coming to Toledo for Care for Kids IMPACT. TOLEDO, OHIO - Care for Kids is bringing together nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses and supporters from across the Toledo area for the third annual IMPACT event on Friday, Sept. 25, at Glass City Center. Now in its third year and second year at Glass City Center, IMPACT has expanded into a full-day conference designed to create opportunities for learning, connection and collaboration among organizations working to strengthen the community. IMPACT was created from a belief that while many organizations are doing important work across the Toledo region, they can sometimes operate in silos. The event encourages attendees to come together, share ideas, build relationships and discover new ways to work alongside one another. This year's event will feature 50+ nonprofit organizations and mobile programs, providing attendees with opportunities to learn more about the organizations serving the community and the work happening throughout the region. Attendees will also have access to educational sessions, networking opportunities and interactive experiences throughout the day. The event will feature keynote speaker Bert Jacobs, co-founder and Chief Optimist of Life is Good. Jacobs will share his perspective on optimism, community and creating positive impact. Life is Good has raised more than $20 million to support children through the Life is Good Playmaker Project. As part of the event, Care for Kids will also mark the beginning of its annual Coat Drive, which helps provide winter coats to children and families in need throughout the region. Care for Kids has partnered with organizations including Susie's Coats for Kids, the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs to help distribute coats to children across the region. IMPACT will take place from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM on Friday, Sept. 25, at Glass City Center in Toledo. About Care for Kids Care for Kids is a Toledo-area initiative focused on supporting children and strengthening the community by connecting organizations, businesses and individuals with opportunities to make a difference. Through initiatives such as the annual Coat Drive and IMPACT conference, Care for Kids works to bring community partners together and support programs that benefit children and families throughout the region.