You know the old saying "a hero's work in never done?" I think that might count as double for the stars of Marvel's AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Today as part of a heroic act of kindness, Disney CEO Robert Iger, arrived at the Disneyland Resort to announce that his company will be donating $5 million to children's hospitals across the country. The epic gesture made up of cash and toys were presented to the Starlight Children's Foundation by way of the Avengers Universe Unites campaign, the Walt Disney Company's signature philanthropic commitment to Disney Team of Heroes. Several Disney-associated brands donated to the cause, including The LEGO Group, Hasbro, Funko and Amazon.
"The superheroes in Avengers personify traits like courage, perseverance, bravery and hope — the same traits countless kids and their families in children's hospitals exhibit every day," Iger said, according to a news release. "We are grateful to have the Avengers cast take time out of their day to be a part of this effort to lift spirits and bring comfort to children during a difficult time."
As is always the case with Disney, the House of Mouse made a real show of the event, by having Marvel alumni Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd and Brie Larson in attendance at Disney California Adventure Park to present the gallant gesture. Shortly thereafter, the Endgame actors were joined by children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and Garden Grove.
"Nobody understands magical experiences better than Disney, and we've been proud to partner with them in bringing those experiences to kids in children's hospitals for more than 20 years," said Adam Garone, CEO of the Starlight Children's Foundation, according to the release. "From delivering hospital care packages to storytelling through Starlight Xperience virtual reality to our recent Disney-themed Starlight Gowns, millions of seriously ill children have benefited from our amazing relationship together."
While $5 million is certainly a lavish sum, it's more or less couch change when you stop to consider how much bank AVENGERS: ENDGAME will inevitably take in at the box office later this month. The highly-anticipated follow-up to last year's AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is expected to open between $200-250 million, with other outlets predicting a $260 million sweep. Personally, I think it's wonderful that Disney is giving back to the fans in such a way, as heroes should always lead by example, and giving back to future generations is one hell of a Herculean gesture.
AVENGERS: ENDGAME, which is expected to clock a three-hour runtime, will arrive in theaters on April 26th.
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