Did you know that in addition to picking the Prince Charming of the Disney Twitter community, Disney March Maleness is also helping to raise awareness for great causes? The winner of the Disney March Maleness contest can designate any non-profit he wants, and I will make a $100 gift to that cause in his name. So not only to we get to tell all these studs how much we love them, but we get to raise awareness and funds for a good cause.
Below is a list of the groups the men of Disney March Maleness are playing for.
Rob Yeo: Get Connected UK
Of course our hunky British babe picked a cause that helps UK youths with a variety of issues. Get Connected runs a 24/7 help line that offers support services to the under-25 crowd. Whether a young person is dealing with homelessness, bullying, suicidal thoughts, drugs, abuse, or anything else, there is a place he/she can turn for support.
Disney Hipster Keith: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
I’m telling you, behind his gruff exterior Keith is really a lamb. He’s playing for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which raises funds for cancer research, provides support for cancer patients and survivors, and raises awareness about blood cancers through its many walks, runs, and survivor story videos.
Joe Pardo, Mr. Brett Young, Tim Tracker, & Andy Tighe: Give Kids the World
Why is Give Kids the World so popular with our studs? Because it is an amazing organization, that’s why! GKTW is a 70-acre non-profit “storybook” resort in Central Florida, where kids with life-threatening illnesses are treated to free vacations. This is a company is a favorite of many in the Disney fan community, because it let’s them share their passion with those who really need that Disney magic.
Lorenzo Tremaine: Make-A-Wish America
As a character handler in WDW, Lorenzo always let’s the kids from Make-A-Wish skip the line. It’s just part of the extra magic he likes to provide. Make-A-Wish grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. That a wish experience can be a game-changer. Vote for Lorenzo to grant wishes that change the lives of kids who need a little magic.
Ricky Stump: Home for Our Troops
I love that Ricky has picked Home for Our Troops because it helps our veterans and creates jobs. Ricky just bought a house himself, so he knows what an enormous gift that is. He’s also a veteran of the US Navy, so if you have a yellow in your heart, Ricky is your man. Home for Our Troops provides mortgage-free, specially adapted homes nationwide for severely injured Veterans of post 9/11, enabling them to rebuild their lives. Their site features some amazing stories. Give them a look!
Brandon Glover: American Heart Association
Well, this makes sense, since Brandon has my heart through and through. The American Heart Association funds innovative research, fights for stronger public health policies, and provides lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives. We all need our heart to be strong and healthy, else how could we give it to the winner of Disney March Maleness?
Dan (NJ_Tree): Seeing Eye
Just like Dan, seeing eye dogs are adorable, helpful, and loyal. Based in Morristown, NJ, Seeing Eye runs the oldest guide dog school in the world. Students—people who are blind or visually impaired—come to the campus to for up to 1 month to train with a new guide dog. This organization has a rich tradition of improving the lives of the visually impaired by supplying them with a support tool that also serves as a lovable best friend.
Guy Selga: Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Long Beach
I love that Guy chose a local cause. He’s the supreme Disneyland fan, so the Southern California crowd will love this choice! Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, with conditions ranging from common to complex—as well as maternity care for expectant mothers—all under one roof. Only 5% of all hospitals are children’s hospitals, making them unique not only to children’s health care needs in the community, but across the region. Miller Children’s is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California.
Turkey Leg Jeff: The Trevor Project
Young gay men are still the largest demographic to commit suicide in the United States. Though great strides have been made in the acceptance of homosexuality, The Trevor Project remains a cherished and essential part of the LGBTQ community. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. This is my contest and this is my cause and I strongly encourage you to donate.
Kevin Quigley: Pine Street Inn
Another local organization, Kevin is showing his Boston pride by support Pine Street Inn. For over 45 years, Pine Street Inn has provided a full spectrum of services to men and women facing homelessness. They provide permanent and transitional housing, food, street outreach, and job training and placement services to Boston’s homeless population. This is a great cause, and, as somebody who was once homeless myself, I can tell you that these types of organizations are invaluable.
Drunk at Disney: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Remember when I told you that Drunk at Disney had a heart of gold? Well, here’s a tearjerker: his mother has multiple sclerosis, so he is choosing to raise awareness in her honor. I lost my father to multiple sclerosis, so I know how debilitating this disease can be. The National MS Society raises funds for MS research, provides resources to MS patients, advocates for MS-friendly public policy, and raises awareness about the disease and its symptoms. Great cause. Great guy.
Kyle G.: Child’s Play Charity
Kyle loves gaming so this is a choice that perfectly reflects his interests and warm heart. Child’s Play provides toys, books, video games, and other fun items to hospital pediatric wings. If you’ve ever had your tonsils out as a kid, or anything more severe, you know how great it is to have these hospital playrooms to calm your nerves pre-operation. They also help you heal post-surgery too. What a great choice, Kyle!
Jordan Ghastly: Good Mews
Meow is in the mix thanks to Jordan, who chooses to support Good Mews, a no-kill animal shelter in Marietta, GA. Over the last 25 years, Good Mews has found loving homes for over 7,000 cats. They offer a full range of veterinary services, making sure our feline friends are happy and cared for.
Gregory Lane Nichols: Bert’s Big Adventure
Similar to Give Kids the World, Bert’s Big Adventure is an organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. This is a heartwarming company that puts a smile on people’s faces, just like Lane does for us.
Bret (Schmoofy): Animal Coalition of Tampa
Cute and cuddly, just like Bret, the pooches of Tampa need a place for high-quality and affordable health services. Luckily there’s ACT, which provides those services. ACT really needs your help though. Last year they lost their headquarters in a fire, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Animal Coalition of Tampa is raising funds for a bigger and better space so it can continue to serve the animals of the Tampa Bay area.
Steve Reid: The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association works on a global, national and local level to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It is the largest Alzheimer’s advocacy network and has been part of every major research advancement of the last 30 years. I’m glad that one of our hunky Disney dudes is helping to raise awareness for this great organization. Bravo, Steve!
Matt Hansen: No Kid Hungry
Behind Matt’s dreamy blue eyes is a heart hungry to end hunger. Matt is playing for No Kid Hungry. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. The campaign also engages the public to make ending child hunger a national priority. A turkey leg for every child—that’s something I can get behind!
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