From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Nicole Nalty
While we continue to search for 50 Disney Magic Makers who work to make their communities better, we also enjoy celebrating the contributions our cast members—the original Magic Makers—make both at work and in their communities.
Nate Rhodes, a Banquet and Events Services Director at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa was recently recognized by Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products for being a Magic Maker and making a difference in his community on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Josh, along with Aulani Ambassador, Alyssa-Lende Kane, surprised Nate to thank him for making a difference at Aulani and in the community – honoring him with lei and a special recognition certificate.
“We have unbelievable cast members who embody our Disney values – going above and beyond for our guests, as well as their friends, neighbors and larger communities,” said Josh. “Nate is one of these selfless Magic Makers who is going out and changing the world – and that’s what this program is all about.”
During his seven years working at Aulani Resort, Nate has earned a reputation for his fun-loving, positive personality and his willingness to always step in to help whenever needed. This giving nature led him to his volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club Hale Pono Clubhouse in ‘Ewa Beach, Hawai’i where he currently serves as an active board member.
During the pandemic, while the Boys & Girls Club doors were physically closed for a few months, Nate assisted the club in continuing to offer daily meal distribution for all club member families as well as online programming and educational resources. He even gathered fellow Aulani cast members to join in and volunteer as a group to help support these efforts.
Aulani Ambassador Alyssa-Lende was particularly touched by Nate’s dedication to the local community.
“As a young
girl, I participated in activities at Boys & Girls Club Hale Pono
Clubhouse, and still today live in that community,” said Alyssa. “Personally, I
appreciate Nate’s dedication to making a difference in a community that I grew
up in. I love witnessing how his hard work brings so much joy, happiness, and
magic to the people of our community.”
In addition
to gathering and coordinating in-kind and monetary donations and organizing the
club’s largest fundraiser of the year – an annual golf tournament, Nate also
donates his personal time to the club. When he noticed that the club’s
landscaping needed maintenance, Nate helped get lawn equipment donated and
volunteered to trim and mow the grass in his spare time.
Does Nate’s story remind you of someone who brings magic to their communities? Now through Oct. 1, 2021, you can nominate any U.S. resident (13+) who inspires you to become one of the Disney Magic Makers. To nominate someone you know, visit disneymagicmakers.com and share the positive impact they have made! You can further celebrate your hometown hero with a public post using #DisneyMagicMakers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok.
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