Sharon Mae Disney was an American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and heiress to the Walt Disney fortune. She was the daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, and Edna Francis Disney. Sharon was known for her charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
Sharon Mae Disney was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 31, 1936. She attended Stanford University, where she studied art history. After graduating from Stanford, Sharon worked as a fashion model and interior designer. In 1957, she married Robert B. Brown, a businessman. The couple had three children: Robert Jr., Susan, and Roy. Sharon and Robert divorced in 1970.
In 1971, Sharon Mae Disney founded the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation, a charitable organization that supports a variety of causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Sharon Mae Disney was a generous and compassionate woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families.
Sharon Mae Disney
Sharon Mae Disney was an American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and heiress to the Walt Disney fortune. She was known for her charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
- Philanthropist
- Entrepreneur
- Heiress
- Education
- Healthcare
- Arts
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Sharon Mae Disney was a generous and compassionate woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families. Her work continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
1. Philanthropist
Sharon Mae Disney was a philanthropist who dedicated her life to giving back to her community. She founded the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation in 1971, which has donated millions of dollars to organizations that support education, healthcare, and the arts. Sharon was also a generous supporter of the Walt Disney Company, where she served on the board of directors for many years.
- Education
Sharon was a strong believer in the power of education. She donated millions of dollars to schools and universities, including Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Sharon also established the Sharon Mae Disney Teacher Education Program at California State University, Fullerton, which provides scholarships and support to future teachers. - Healthcare
Sharon was also passionate about healthcare. She donated millions of dollars to hospitals and medical research organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the UCLA Medical Center, and the American Red Cross. Sharon also established the Sharon Mae Disney Cancer Center at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California. - Arts
Sharon was a lifelong lover of the arts. She donated millions of dollars to museums and performing arts organizations, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Music Center of Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Symphony. Sharon also established the Sharon Mae Disney Youth Orchestra, which provides music education and performance opportunities to young people from underserved communities.
Sharon Mae Disney was a generous and compassionate woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families. Her work continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
2. Entrepreneur
Sharon Mae Disney was an entrepreneur who founded the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation, a charitable organization that supports education, healthcare, and the arts. She was also a successful businesswoman, serving on the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company for many years.
- Founder of the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation
The Sharon Mae Disney Foundation is a charitable organization that supports education, healthcare, and the arts. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the University of California, Berkeley. - Board Member of the Walt Disney Company
Sharon Mae Disney served on the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company for many years. She was a valuable member of the board, providing her insights and expertise on a variety of issues. - Businesswoman
In addition to her work with the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation and the Walt Disney Company, Sharon Mae Disney was also a successful businesswoman. She owned and operated several businesses, including a clothing store and a restaurant. - Philanthropist
Sharon Mae Disney was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to a variety of causes. She was particularly interested in supporting education, healthcare, and the arts.
Sharon Mae Disney was a successful entrepreneur, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She made a significant impact on the world through her work with the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation and the Walt Disney Company. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families.
3. Heiress
Sharon Mae Disney was an heiress to the Walt Disney fortune. She was the daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, and Edna Francis Disney. Sharon inherited a significant amount of money and assets from her father, which she used to support a variety of charitable causes.
- Inheritance
Sharon Mae Disney inherited a large sum of money and assets from her father, Roy O. Disney. This inheritance gave her the financial means to pursue her philanthropic interests and support a variety of charitable causes. - Philanthropy
Sharon Mae Disney used her inheritance to support a variety of charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. She founded the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation in 1971, which has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the University of California, Berkeley. - Legacy
Sharon Mae Disney's legacy is one of philanthropy and giving back to the community. She used her inheritance to make a significant impact on the world, and her work continues to inspire others to make a difference.
Sharon Mae Disney was a generous and compassionate woman who used her inheritance to make a positive impact on the world. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families.
4. Education
Education was a lifelong passion for Sharon Mae Disney. She believed that education was the key to unlocking a brighter future for children and families. Sharon supported a variety of educational initiatives through her philanthropy, including scholarships, teacher training programs, and new school construction.
- Sharon Mae Disney Teacher Education Program
The Sharon Mae Disney Teacher Education Program at California State University, Fullerton provides scholarships and support to future teachers. The program is designed to attract and retain talented teachers in the field of education.
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles is a world-renowned pediatric hospital that provides a variety of medical services to children from all over the world. Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the hospital, and she helped to fund the construction of the hospital's new cancer center.
- University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university that is known for its academic excellence. Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the university, and she helped to fund the construction of the university's new art museum.
- New School Construction
Sharon Mae Disney also supported the construction of new schools in underserved communities. She believed that all children deserved access to a quality education.
Sharon Mae Disney's passion for education has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families. Her legacy will continue to inspire others to support education and to make a difference in the world.
5. Healthcare
Sharon Mae Disney was a passionate advocate for healthcare, particularly for children and families. She donated millions of dollars to hospitals and medical research organizations, and she also worked to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities.
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles is a world-renowned pediatric hospital that provides a variety of medical services to children from all over the world. Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the hospital, and she helped to fund the construction of the hospital's new cancer center.
- UCLA Medical Center
The UCLA Medical Center is a top-ranked hospital that provides a wide range of medical services to patients of all ages. Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the hospital, and she helped to fund the construction of the hospital's new emergency department.
- American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief, blood donations, and other essential services. Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the Red Cross, and she helped to fund the organization's work in disaster-stricken areas around the world.
- Sharon Mae Disney Cancer Center
The Sharon Mae Disney Cancer Center at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center that provides comprehensive care to cancer patients and their families. Sharon Mae Disney donated millions of dollars to the cancer center, and she was actively involved in its planning and design.
Sharon Mae Disney's passion for healthcare has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families. Her legacy will continue to inspire others to support healthcare and to make a difference in the world.
6. Arts
Sharon Mae Disney was a lifelong lover of the arts. She believed that the arts had the power to inspire, educate, and bring people together. Sharon supported a variety of arts organizations and initiatives, including museums, performing arts centers, and youth arts programs.
- Patron of the Arts
Sharon Mae Disney was a major patron of the arts. She donated millions of dollars to museums, performing arts centers, and other arts organizations. Sharon was also a generous supporter of individual artists, providing them with financial assistance and other resources to help them pursue their work.
- Arts Education
Sharon Mae Disney believed that arts education was essential for children and young people. She supported a variety of arts education programs, including after-school programs, summer camps, and scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the arts.
- Community Involvement
Sharon Mae Disney believed that the arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or income. She supported a variety of community-based arts organizations that provided free or low-cost arts programming to underserved communities.
- Arts Advocacy
Sharon Mae Disney was a vocal advocate for the arts. She spoke out about the importance of arts funding and arts education, and she worked to raise awareness of the positive impact that the arts can have on individuals and communities.
Sharon Mae Disney's passion for the arts has had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and beyond. Her legacy continues to inspire others to support the arts and to make a difference in the world.
7. Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) is a world-renowned pediatric hospital that provides a variety of medical services to children from all over the world. CHLA is a teaching hospital of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, and it is one of the largest children's hospitals in the United States.
- Philanthropic Support
Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to CHLA. She donated millions of dollars to the hospital, and she helped to fund the construction of the hospital's new cancer center. Sharon was also a member of CHLA's board of directors for many years.
- Patient Care
CHLA provides a wide range of medical services to children, including cancer care, heart care, and neurosurgery. The hospital is also a leader in research and innovation, and it is home to one of the largest pediatric research programs in the United States.
- Community Outreach
CHLA is committed to providing care to all children, regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital offers a variety of financial assistance programs, and it also provides free and low-cost care to uninsured children.
- Legacy
Sharon Mae Disney's legacy will continue to benefit CHLA for many years to come. Her generous donations have helped to make the hospital one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the world.
The connection between the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and Sharon Mae Disney is one of philanthropy and shared commitment to providing quality healthcare to children. Sharon's generous support has helped to make CHLA one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the world, and her legacy will continue to benefit the hospital for many years to come.
8. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Sharon Mae Disney was a major donor to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). She donated millions of dollars to the museum, and she helped to fund the construction of the museum's new building. Sharon was also a member of LACMA's board of directors for many years.
LACMA is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum's collection includes more than 150,000 works of art from around the world. LACMA is also a major center for research and education, and it offers a variety of public programs and exhibitions.
Sharon Mae Disney's support of LACMA has helped to make the museum one of the leading art museums in the world. Her legacy will continue to benefit the museum for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sharon Mae Disney
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Sharon Mae Disney, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: Who was Sharon Mae Disney?
Sharon Mae Disney was an American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and heiress to the Walt Disney fortune. She was known for her charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
Question 2: What were Sharon Mae Disney's main philanthropic interests?
Sharon Mae Disney's main philanthropic interests were education, healthcare, and the arts. She donated millions of dollars to organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Question 3: How did Sharon Mae Disney use her inheritance?
Sharon Mae Disney used her inheritance to support a variety of charitable causes. She founded the Sharon Mae Disney Foundation in 1971, which has donated millions of dollars to organizations that support education, healthcare, and the arts.
Question 4: What was Sharon Mae Disney's role in the Walt Disney Company?
Sharon Mae Disney served on the board of directors of the Walt Disney Company for many years. She was a valuable member of the board, providing her insights and expertise on a variety of issues.
Question 5: What was Sharon Mae Disney's legacy?
Sharon Mae Disney's legacy is one of philanthropy and giving back to the community. She used her inheritance to make a significant impact on the world, and her work continues to inspire others to make a difference.
Summary: Sharon Mae Disney was a generous and compassionate woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. She was a role model for women and a tireless advocate for children and families. Her work continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
Tips by Sharon Mae Disney
Sharon Mae Disney was a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and heiress to the Walt Disney fortune. She was known for her charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. Disney's philanthropy was guided by her belief that everyone deserves access to quality education and healthcare, regardless of their background or income. Here are five tips from Sharon Mae Disney on how to make a difference in the world through philanthropy:
Tip 1: Find a cause that you are passionate about. When you are passionate about a cause, you are more likely to be motivated to give your time and money to it. Disney was passionate about education and healthcare, and she donated millions of dollars to organizations that support these causes.
Tip 2: Do your research. Before you donate to a charity, it is important to do your research to make sure that the organization is reputable and that your donation will be used effectively. Disney was a savvy philanthropist, and she took the time to learn about the organizations that she supported.
Tip 3: Give your time as well as your money. Volunteering your time is a great way to make a difference in the world. Disney volunteered her time at a variety of organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Tip 4: Be a role model. Your actions can inspire others to give back to their community. Disney was a role model for philanthropy, and her generosity inspired others to make a difference in the world.
Tip 5: Never give up. Making a difference in the world takes time and effort. There will be challenges along the way, but it is important to never give up on your dreams. Disney faced many challenges in her life, but she never gave up on her commitment to philanthropy.
Sharon Mae Disney was a remarkable woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. Her tips on giving back to the community are a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
Summary: By following these tips, you can make a difference in the world through philanthropy. Find a cause that you are passionate about, do your research, give your time as well as your money, be a role model, and never give up.
Conclusion
Sharon Mae Disney was a remarkable woman who made a significant impact on the world through her philanthropy. She was a generous and compassionate woman who believed that everyone deserves access to quality education and healthcare, regardless of their background or income.
Disney's legacy is one of giving back to the community. She donated millions of dollars to organizations that support education, healthcare, and the arts. She also volunteered her time to a variety of organizations, and she was a role model for philanthropy.
Sharon Mae Disney's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that one person can make a difference in the world. We can all learn from her example and strive to make a positive impact on our communities.
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