Disney assembled its own crew of real-life Avengers for the return of Avengers Universe Unites.
Together with The Walt Disney Company, Hasbro, Funko, The LEGO Group, and Amazon teamed to donate more than $5 million in cash and toys to Starlight Children’s Foundation. The donation will benefit children’s hospitals across the country, in addition to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort in central Florida
Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, joined the kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort to launch the charity event for a second year in support of the company’s signature philanthropic commitment, Disney Team of Heroes.
Cast from Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame were in attendance at Disney California Adventure Park, where Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye/Ronin), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) spent time with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and Garden Grove.
“The superheroes in Avengers personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope – the same traits countless kids and their families in children’s hospitals exhibit every day,” says Iger. “We are grateful to have the Avengers cast take time out of their day to be a part of this effort to lift spirits and bring comfort to children during a difficult time.”
Activities included a LEGO build at The LEGO Store in Downtown Disney, and a visit by Amazon’s Treasure Truck — fully-stocked with Avengers: Endgame toys, including Hasbro action figures, Iron Man MK50 robots by UBTECH, and Funko POP! vinyl figures.
“Nobody understands magical experiences better than Disney, and we’ve been proud to partner with them in bringing those experiences to kids in children’s hospitals for more than 20 years,” added Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation. “From delivering hospital care packages, to storytelling through Starlight Xperience virtual reality, to our recent Disney-themed Starlight Gowns, millions of seriously ill children have benefited from our amazing relationship together. And with this donation, even more kids will get to experience the magic of Disney.”
Photos: The Walt Disney Company