We have come from everywhere over the past sixty-five plus years. But we all came together working as Cast Members, or their families, or friends or fans at the Happiest Place on Earth: Disneyland, California.
As the Disneyland Resort has grown over the years, with new Lands, Park and Hotels, so have our memories. As part of the Disneyland Alumni Club we can still come together and continue to share our special culture and experiences and even new ones as we are Always Part of the Magic!
OUR MISSION
To Preserve, Honor, and Perpetuate the Values, Traditions, and Outlook upon which Disneyland was created.
OUR HISTORY
This is the opening sentence from the first newsletter of The Disneyland Alumni Club, written by Van A. France, founder of the University of Disneyland and The Disneyland Alumni Club, as well as a Disney Legend. “I created the Alumni Club because Disneyland’s leaders and I wanted to make Disneyland a life-long experience, something that adds to a Cast Member’s life after their work experience here at the Happiest Place on Earth comes to a close,” Van said.
“All Disneyland Cast Members are special. Walt knew that,” explained one of our founders.
“In fact, he said, they have to be special in order to bring to life an outdoor entertainment experience found nowhere else in the world. The Disneyland Alumni Club brings together those special people and helps them all stay in touch with each other, while it preserves, honors, and perpetuates the values, traditions, and outlook upon which Disneyland was created.”
For many years after its founding in 1983, The Disneyland Alumni Club existed as a list in a desk drawer. After Van’s passing in 1999, The Disneyland Alumni Club became self-supporting in 2001.
In 2005, after Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, your all-volunteer leaders recognized the need for a fresh approach and a re-established foundation. Consequently in 2010, The Disneyland Alumni Club became a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, supported by its members and occasional donations.
Since then, we have been able to host speaker series, a celebration for the Park’s 60th anniversary, screenings, and to add a number of popular new venues.
We’re delighted to say this club continues to grow. We even have our own Facebook page. We tweet too!
While the need for fresh input will always exist, we can confidently say that The Disneyland Alumni Club remains devoted and committed to the original vision of “you can’t take Disneyland out of the person”. The Disneyland Alumni Club is a lifelong connection for former Cast Members.
OUR DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors
Richard Ferrin – Chair
Ted Yamada – President
Michele Nagata – Secretary
Ron LaPedis
Justin Donne
Executive Directors & Managers
Justin Donne – Web Editor
Dansen Lipock – Merchandise
Steve Davis – Events
Diane Norris – Membership
Peggy Matthews Rose – Facebook Editor and Newsletter Contributor
Donna Sue Davis – Locations Director
Richard Ferrin – Art Director
OUR CHARITIES
One way we’re “living Walt” is by honoring his love for children through supporting children’s charities.
Here are some of the charities we’ve supported in the past:
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LONG BEACH
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The club seeks to inspire kids through the “It Just Takes One” Campaign – One Caring Adult, One Boys and Girls Club, and One Gift to forever impact the life of One Child.
Caterina’s Club is an Orange County-based non-profit organization that provides warm meals, housing assistance, job training and internships, and support to underprivileged youth living in motels and other substandard living conditions throughout Southern California.
The Disneyland Alumni Club has supported this charity through cash donations and by donating uncooked pasta in its original packaging. The pasta is then cooked at the Anaheim White House restaurant and becomes part of the meals used in the “Feeding the Kids” program.
RYMAN ARTS
To fund its continuing mission, we have provided cash donations to the Ryman Arts Foundation and facilitated selling art created by the students who go through the Foundation’s programs. Ryman Arts offers intensive out-of-school studio art instruction, college and career guidance, art supplies, and support services—all at no cost to the student
The Foundation was founded in 1990 by Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Harrison “Buzz” Price, and others in memory of Herb Ryman, the genius artist who drew the original concept art for Disneyland.
OTHER CHARITY ACTIVITIES
In the past, the Disneyland Alumni Club has raised funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), the Carolwood Society (which established “Walt’s Barn” in Griffith Park), and the Rheuben Allen Education Foundation, as well as donating toys to “Toys for Tots.”
Most recently, we’ve donated funds to the Garner Holt Foundation, which supports the Garner Holt Education Through Imagination program.
The mission of the Garner Holt Education Through Imagination program is to provide “essential pathways and transformative opportunities for creativity, innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship designed to embolden the imaginations of students of all ages, diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.”