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Kapiolani: Movie Magic
From left: Gidget Ruscetta, Kapi‘olani chief operating officer; Adam Garone, Starlight CEO; Lisa Haines, Disney senior vice president of corporate social responsibility; Ray Vara, HPH president and CEO; Moana; Bob Iger, Disney CEO; and Elliot Mills, Disneyland Resorts and Aulani VP of hotel operations.
Creating moments of happiness is what happens when Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation come together for keiki at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. In November, patients and their families were all smiles in the Kapiolani auditorium as they became some of the first in the world to watch the premiere of “Moana 2” days before the blockbuster movie was released in theaters.
“Disney has been a supporter of children’s hospitals all over the world for decades, dating all the way back to Walt Disney’s days, and we’re proud to carry on that legacy today,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who came to Kapiolani to personally meet with patients and families at the event.
The Disney magic started when families received exclusive movie tickets during a “Moana 2”-themed party at the medical center. Kids were able to select movie-themed toys, stuffed animals, books and more from Starlight while participating in fun Moana-inspired activities. The smiles got even bigger when Moana herself stopped by for a surprise visit to take pictures with keiki and their families.
Kapiolani has a longstanding relationship with Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, and Disney cast members work closely with Kapiolani to deliver moments of happiness through character visits and events like the “Moana 2” celebrations.
“When we walked in, I said, ‘Do you see all the magic around you?’ And my daughter was like, ‘Yeah!’ And her face just lit up,” said Nanea Aumua, mother of a Kapiolani patient. “She was so excited to see [Moana].”
The next day, patients lined up outside the Kapiolani auditorium for the movie party. They were treated to additional Moana-themed toys, popcorn boxes and snacks before settling into their seats. Some keiki got even more into the movie mood, dressing up in new Moana-themed Starlight hospital gowns.
“Through our collaboration with Disney, we’ve created a new princess Starlight Hospital Gown featuring Moana,” said Adam Garone, Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO. “Kids will now be able to channel the spirit of Moana and embrace her courage, resilience and confidence during their hospital stay.”
Cheers were loud and eyes lit up as the room dimmed for the start of the movie. After the film, families walked out of the auditorium feeling a bit emotional about the exclusive opportunity to watch Moana’s newest voyage.
“To see ‘Moana 2’ first is such an honor,” said Rene Jong, mother of a Kapiolani patient. “Moana is definitely a role model for Pacific Islanders. The movie shows how much can be accomplished if people can be who they are and not have to worry about what others think.”
Moana represents strength, bravery and perseverance, just like Kapiolani’s pediatric patients. That’s the real magic, and it’s in all of them.