kansas city

Butch Rigby | Board of directors for “Thank You, Walt Disney”

“Thank You, Walt Disney,” under the leadership of Butch Rigby, is on a mission to preserve and celebrate Walt Disney’s formative years in Kansas City. This KC Cares interview delves into Disney’s connection to Missouri, his early entrepreneurial ventures, and how his experiences influenced iconic creations like Mickey Mouse and Disneyland’s Main Street USA. The organization is working to restore Laugh-O-Gram Studio, aiming to transform it into a vibrant educational center for digital storytelling and animation. This initiative not only honors Walt Disney’s legacy but also serves as a catalyst for empowering underserved youth with valuable digital skills and a vision for their futures. Join us in exploring how Kansas City plays a pivotal role in the history of one of the most influential figures in entertainment and how his legacy is being preserved for generations to come.

What Nonprofit Questions are Answered?

1. What was Walt Disney’s connection to Kansas City?
   Ans: Walt Disney spent his formative years in Kansas City, where he started his first professional film studio, Laugh-O-Gram Studio.
2. What is “Thank You, Walt Disney” and its mission?
   Ans:“Thank You, Walt Disney” is an organization dedicated to preserving Walt Disney’s legacy in Kansas City by restoring Laugh-O-Gram Studio and transforming it into an educational hub.
3. How did Kansas City influence Walt Disney’s creations?

   Ans: Disney’s experiences in Missouri, including his early entrepreneurial ventures, inspired many of his future creations, such as the concept for Disneyland’s Main Street USA.

4. What are the future plans for Laugh-O-Gram Studio?
   Ans: The studio is being restored to serve as a center for digital storytelling and animation education, particularly for underserved youth.
5. How can the community support “Thank You, Walt Disney”?
   Ans: The community can support the organization through donations, volunteering, and raising awareness of its mission to preserve and celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy in Kansas City.

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KC Cares, Kansas City’s nonprofit voice, tells the stories of Kansas City nonprofits and connects them with the community.  

Produced by Charitable Communications 

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In partnership with: 

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

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