LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 16, 2009 – Showing power in numbers, approximately 5,800 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS teamed up this past weekend to extend their reach into local classrooms via the Disney Bowl-A-Thon. The two-day fundraising event, held March 14-15 at bowling centers across Central Florida, raised more than $ 237,000 for Junior Achievement; ultimately benefiting thousands of local children.

Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization that enhances economic education and programs by striking a balance between the business community and schools. Seeking to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy, Junior Achievement helps students connect the real world to what they learn in the classroom.

“We help students understand money and credit,” said Gary Blanchette, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “We help provide solutions to financial illiteracy in America.” Thrilled to collaborate with Walt Disney World Resort, Blanchette explained that all of the dollars raised by the Disney Bowl-A-Thon go to work immediately. “Thanks to Disney, we can expand our mission in the classroom. Twelve-thousand children in Central Florida will benefit from Junior Achievement outreach,” said Blanchette.

Jessica Herrera, a Stonewall Jackson Middle School eighth grader, credits Junior Achievement for helping her understand the importance of her actions and improving her test scores. “Junior Achievement showed me that what I do today will impact the future that I have tomorrow,” said Herrera.

Disney VoluntEARS, along with volunteers from other companies, donate time teaching Junior Achievement curriculum for grades K-12 in schools across Central Florida. Funds raised from the Disney Bowl-A-Thon will go toward Junior Achievement programming, educator kits and classroom supplies.

Over the past 14 years, Walt Disney World Resort has raised more than $3.2 million for Junior Achievement.