Countywide : Disneyland Recognizes Community Service Groups

Two community service organizations in Irvine and one in Garden Grove took top honors Wednesday at the 38th annual Disneyland Service Award presentation.

Vital Link-Orange County, based in Irvine, received the top award of $50,000. The goal of the nonprofit organization is to provide students with skills to help them make a smooth transition from the classroom to the business world.

“We’re really excited and elated because the money will allow us to pursue a number of programs,” said Bill Wood, business chairman for Vital Link. “This is a great day for us.”

Orange County Together of Irvine and the John Henry Foundation of Garden Grove won $15,000 each for their service to the community.

Orange County Together was recognized for its innovative approach to bridging Orange County’s diverse communities through enhanced communications such as “living room dialogues.”

The John Henry Foundation was cited for its work with people who are mentally ill.

In all, $300,000 was awarded to 63 community service organizations across the county that became finalists in the annual competition, said Pam Espinosa, a Disneyland spokeswoman.

More than 400 community service organizations were nominated, a 10% increase over last year, she said.

The theme park also honored more than 142,000 individual volunteers who have donated their time.