AREA 3 FOUNDATION
"Helping character performers prepare for their next role in life"
OUR MISSION
At the Area 3 Foundation, we believe in the power of dreams, the strength of community, and the magic that lives within every cast member. Born from the bonds of a chosen family, our mission is to uplift and support the incredible Performers, Attendants, and Captains—past and present—who bring stories to life and joy to the world.
Whether you're reaching for the stars through education or navigating a stormy season, A3F is here to help you soar. Through scholarships and crisis assistance, we’re proud to be a beacon of hope, a shoulder to lean on, and a reminder that no one in our family ever walks alone.
Because once you’re part of the Zoo Crew, you’re part of something magical—a legacy of love, support, and endless possibility.
OUR VISION
Our Vision is to help character Performers, Attendants ad Captains prepare for their next role in life.
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
A letter from Patrick Strawbridge, President
Dear Disney Family,
It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I assume the role of President of the Area 3 Foundation. Following in the footsteps of extraordinary leaders such as Helen, Paul and Jody, I am committed to continuing their legacy and driving our mission forward.
As I reflect on my Disney experience, I am reminded of the opportunities and people who shaped the person I am today. Inclusion has always been at the core of my values, thanks to the influence of Joel Strack, Rose Justice, Clay Rivers, Irv Moore and many others. Their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment has taught me the importance of embracing diversity and ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
The joy, compassion, and chosen family I experienced from my time as a Cast Member has instilled in me a deep sense of commitment and pride. I am excited by the privilege of carrying forward the legacy of Area 3. I look forward to serving all of you, working together to achieve our shared goals, and building upon the strong foundation that has been laid by those who came before me.
Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this new chapter together.
ABOUT AREA 3 FOUNDATION
Born from the heart of the Magic Kingdom and the bonds of a chosen family, the Area 3 Foundation (A3F) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping dreams take flight. We provide scholarship support for post-secondary education to current and former Walt Disney Character Performers, Attendants, and Captains—the magic-makers who bring joy to life every day.
What began as a spark of support has grown into a beacon of hope, lighting the way for those who once stood in the heat of Area 3 and beyond. Whether you're stepping into a classroom or facing a personal challenge, A3F is here to remind you: you are never alone.
Fueled entirely by the generosity of donors, A3F is committed to growing, evolving, and reaching even more members of our Zoo Crew family.
To donate and help us spread the magic, visit our [donation page].
To apply for a scholarship and begin your next chapter, visit our [scholarship page].
Together, we’re not just supporting education—we’re building a legacy of love, resilience, and endless possibility.
HOW THE MAGIC BEGAN
Helen (Hess) Stark, Co-Founder & Director Emeritus
Every great story starts with a spark—and mine began with the love and kindness of my Disney family.
While attending college in California, I found myself facing one of life’s toughest chapters. I was without a home, unsure of what tomorrow would bring. But in true Disney fashion, magic appeared when I needed it most. Kellie Lawton, Scott Burkhart, and Steve Birket opened their doors and gave me a place to stay. Others from our Walt Disney World family stepped in with support, encouragement, and love. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it through.
Years later, thanks to the magic of Facebook, our Dept. 384 family found each other again. I saw familiar faces facing new challenges—returning to school, battling illness, navigating crisis—and I knew it was time to give back. That’s when the dream of the Area 3 Foundation was born.
With the help of dear friends—Michelle, Jen, Carrie, and Jeni—we began shaping the vision. Albert Divetta gave us our name and designed our logo, capturing the spirit of where it all began. Alicia Boyle, Rafael Rivera, and Jody Glassman joined as our founding board members, bringing passion, purpose, and heart to every step of the journey.
The Area 3 Foundation was built on love—the kind that forms backstage, between sets, and in the quiet moments when cast members become family. It’s a tribute to the magic we create for others, and the magic we share with each other.
This is just the beginning. As we grow, we carry forward the spirit of Area 3: a place where no one is ever alone, and where dreams are always worth believing in.
HOW DID WE GET OUR NAME?
Once upon a time in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, there was a little corner of the park known simply as Area 3. Tucked away near the swashbuckling adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean, this set wasn’t the most glamorous. The break area was outdoors, the sun was relentless, and the shift could feel long and lonely. With limited interaction beyond the guests, it was easy to feel like you were on your own little island.
But something magical happened in Area 3.
The cast members who worked there - despite the heat, the isolation, and the long hours - found something extraordinary: each other. They laughed together, supported one another, and created a bond that went far beyond the name on their name tags. They became a chosen family, united not by location, but by love, resilience, and the shared joy of bringing magic to life.
That spirit is what inspired the name A3F - Area 3 Foundation. It’s a tribute to those who know what it’s like to feel alone, and a promise that no one in our Zoo Crew family ever has to be. Whether you're chasing your dreams through education or facing a personal storm, A3F is here to remind you: you are never alone.
A3F is powered entirely by the generosity of donors like you.
To learn more or to sprinkle a little pixie dust of your own, visit our [donation page].
To apply for a scholarship and take the next step in your story, visit our [scholarship page].
Because in this family, every dream matters - and no one gets left behind.