The Walt Disney Company Honored At Inner-City Arts 25th Anniversary Celebration And 2014 Imagine Awards

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Inner-City Arts honored The Walt Disney Company with the Philanthropic Leadership Award at its 2014 Imagine Awards, Friday, November 7th at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles. ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor Phillip Palmer, hosted. Inner-City Arts board member Vera Campbell, chaired.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti presented the Philanthropic Leadership Award to Jay Rasulo, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company who accepted on Disney's behalf.  Highlighting his acceptance was his surprise announcement that Disney will grant $1 million to Inner-City Arts to support its Creativity Lab, an innovative arts workshop that encourages students to pursue tasks and challenges using creative thinking and creative problem solving. "It's only by expanding their imaginations that our kids will be able to realize their biggest dreams," said Rasulo. 

Inner-City Arts President & CEO, Bob Smiland, remarked "This gift will help us continue to unlock the creative potential of thousands of children." In addition to the $1 million grant from Disney, the organization raised a record-breaking total of over $1.2 million.

Billed as a "Celebration of Creativity," the evening began with a reception and silent auction in the lobby and upstairs tiers of The Theatre at Ace Hotel, the magnificently restored, Spanish-Gothic style, 1600-seat theatre, originally built in 1927.  Following the program, the lobby was transformed into an after-party setting, complete with DJ.

Three-time Tony Award nominee, Judy Kuhn, performed Colors of the Wind from Disney's Pocahontas. World-renowned cellist, Martin Tillman, was also featured along with Sal Lozano and The Imagine Awards House Band as well as bluegrass band, Miskey Mountain Boys.

Vince Caldera, recipient of the 2014 Barbara J. Schreter Scholarship, was one of a number of current students, alumni and teachers who spoke of how their lives have been touched by the organization. 

Founded in 1989, Inner-City Arts cultivates a sense of possibility within Los Angeles' youth. In partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, the organization provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to explore their creativity.

SOURCE Inner-City Arts