The Walt Disney Company Foundation made a US$1 million donation to UNICEF at the Gala Dinner of the 6th Annual Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Washington, DC, held by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The donation will help UNICEF continue its progress behind five key priorities for the world’s children: child protection, immunization, early childhood support, fighting HIV/AIDS and girls’ education.

"Disney’s donation to UNICEF will help us continue our legacy of coming to the aid of children when it’s needed most," said Anne-Marie Grey, chief of the Private Sector Division for UNICEF. "On behalf of UNICEF, I want to thank the company for its dedication to children and for this generous gift."

The Walt Disney Company Foundation’s donation to UNICEF comes during the organization’s 60th anniversary celebration. Those in attendance at the gala dinner included CEOs and chairmen of the world’s foremost travel and tourism businesses, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials and influential journalists from around the globe. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the travel and tourism industry worldwide.

"On behalf of The Walt Disney Company Foundation, I am delighted to present UNICEF with this donation of $1 million to help it make the world a better place for children," said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo, who hosted the gala celebration. "Bringing smiles to children is what Disney is known for, and working with UNICEF to help achieve this goal is something we are very proud to do."