Cast Member Steve Luttrell, Disney’s Vero Beach Recognized for VoluntEAR Efforts in 2009

Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the accomplishments of Disney VoluntEARS, which gave a record 251,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians in 2009, by recognizing top standouts with awards and charitable donations.

This week, high honors were given to Steve Luttrell as VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team as the VoluntEAR Team of the Year. Both received $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice.

By day, Steve Luttrell works as a member of Disney’s Engineering Services team. Nights and weekends, you’ll find him on the baseball field, helping kids learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Luttrell has dedicated hundreds of service hours to Dr. Phillips Little League and has changed the lives of hundreds of youth during his six seasons of involvement. Known for maintaining composure under pressure, Luttrell coaches young boys and their parents beyond the basics of baseball and demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility. A donation of $2,500 will be given to the Dr. Phillips Little League in honor of Luttrell.

A small but powerful team, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team increased their Cast Member participation from 51% to 89% within a year; completing 29 projects in Indian River County in 2009. Activities range from a Habitat for Humanity build to a March of Dimes walk to involving youth in a beach cleanup event to help them gain environmental awareness. In honor of the team, $2,500 will be donated to the March of Dimes Treasure Coast Division.

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise toward positively impacting their communities. Later this summer, the EARS to You program will recognize Disney VoluntEARS with thousands of dollars in grants for local non-profit organizations. More information will be revealed near the end of July.