2024
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2024 (11/1/23 - 10/31/24)
Highlights | Financials | Sustainability and Impact | Looking Ahead | Strategic Position & Future Outlook |
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Foreword
| "Our dreams inspire us, our values define us, and our resolve ensures that every young creative's potential becomes possible.” |
Dear Friends,
What an extraordinary year of growth and transformation 2024 has been for Always In The Club Foundation! As our first full year operating as a stand-alone charity, we faced the typical challenges of a young organization, but through the unwavering support of Mouseketeers, fans, and generous donors, we've established a robust foundation for future success.
Our achievements this year have been remarkable. We successfully launched our flagship “Destination: Disney Imagination Campus” program, sponsoring students on an inspiring behind-the-scenes learning adventure at Disney World. Through our MMC'89 Day of Service initiative, we made a tangible impact by sorting and packaging 8,000 meals for those in need, while also providing a valuable masterclass in film and television acting for aspiring young actors. Our commitment to sustainability and global impact also remains steadfast. Through our "Shop the Club, Plant a Tree" initiative, we've planted 1,443 trees, offsetting 194 tons of CO2.
Significant financial support came from our Club Members and key partners including Halifax Repertory Theatre. This support, combined with our events and expanded service offerings, has helped us build a sustainable framework for growth.
We've also strengthened our partnerships with organizations like That's 4 Entertainment (90s Con / Christmas Con) and MusiCares Foundation, and we have begun developing new relationships with the Boys & Girls Club and the California Treasury Department that will open new avenues for youth development and community engagement.
Looking ahead to 2025, we're focusing on several strategic initiatives. We're expanding our Nonprofit Business Management Services, enhancing our Youth Coaching & Workshops programs, and scaling our Experiential Learning Experiences. Our inaugural fundraising gala is also on the horizon and represents a significant milestone in our journey.
The impact we dream of continues to drive every effort we make. With our expanded Club membership benefits, growing media presence, and increasing program service offerings, we're better positioned than ever to serve our community.
As we move forward, I am filled with optimism about Always In The Club's future. We have the most dedicated board, staff, and family of supporters, and together, we've laid the groundwork for something truly special. Our commitment to transforming young lives through mentorship and arts education, while supporting broader causes like mental health, hunger, and environmental sustainability, remains unwavering.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your continued support, passion, and dedication make our mission possible.
With gratitude,
Chasen Hampton
Executive Director
We empower youth through transformative mentorship and arts education, and through our MMC'89 Initiative, work to build stronger communities and a sustainable future.
Our Progress & Impact
Company Highlights
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Highlight 1: Disney Imagination Campus
Our ‘Destination: Disney Imagination Campus’ program has completed its inaugural run, successfully bringing 11 young participants behind the scenes at Disney World for an immersive educational experience. Students attended two transformative Disney Imagination Campus workshops:
- Leadership the Disney Way
- Disney Broadway Magic
These specialized workshops blend Disney's creative excellence with practical skill development, offering students unique insights into both leadership and theatrical production at the highest level.
Our program, combining hands-on learning within Disney's creative environment and mentorship provided by the Mouseketeers, has generated enthusiastic responses from students and parents.
Participating in this program was one of the best experiences ever! I enjoyed learning from the Mouseketeers after the workshops and exploring the parks. The highlight of my experience was performing a scene from Frozen on Broadway! I will always remember that I got an opportunity to perform at Disney World!
— Audrey (Student)
Program Outcomes & Impact
Student Achievement:
- Hands-on experience with Disney performer techniques
- Direct interaction with industry professionals
- Practical creative skill development
- Enhanced understanding of entertainment careers
Educational Impact:
- Immersive behind-the-scenes learning
- Real-world application of creative and leadership skills
- Exposure to multiple disciplines
- Understanding of professional pathways
- Direct mentorship from industry veterans
Personal Growth:
- Increased creative confidence
- Strengthened career focus
- Acquired new tools for mental health
- Increased leadership skills
Long-Term Benefits:
- Clear career pathway visualization
- Tools to manage mental health
- Practical skill development
- Ongoing mentorship opportunities
This inaugural success sets the foundation for future program expansion, demonstrating the transformative power of combining Disney innovation with professional mentorship.
Highlight 2: Memberships
We've enhanced our membership value through a new partnership with Abenity, providing our members with exclusive access to widespread savings. Annual members now enjoy corporate-level discounts of up to 40% off on everyday experiences - from local entertainment to travel accommodations.
This strategic addition has proven successful with our membership base by offering meaningful everyday value to our community of annual members. See Club perks
Highlight 3: Partnerships
Always in the Club continued existing collaborations and established new and exciting relationships that we intend to grow into effective partnerships:
That’s 4 Entertainment - Always In The Club proudly hosted the official after-parties for 90s Con and Christmas Con, two premier fan celebration events. By bringing together celebrities, nostalgia, philanthropy, and celebration, these events create meaningful opportunities to expand our mission's reach and impact.
California Kids Investment & Development Savings Program - By joining forces with CalKids, we're creating a powerful gateway for young artists to access the mentorship and education they deserve, turning possibilities into realities.
Boys & Girls Club - We're developing a promising collaboration that brings together our resources. Our mission is to provide an efficient pathway for their students to access our educational experiences.
MusicCares Foundation - Our ongoing partnership began at the height of the COVID pandemic with our Holiday album fundraiser called ‘Why? Because It's Christmas,’ which featured reunited Mouseketeers. Released to support the humans behind music, the album debuted at #21 on Billboard. Mouseketeers reunited in Nashville on December 10, 2023 to perform the album as part of our annual #MMCHolidays campaign: ‘Why? Because It’s Christmas.’
Educational Destinations - We've partnered with Educational Destinations, a Disney Parks Recognized Youth Travel Planner and Disney on Broadway's Preferred Travel Planner, to help coordinate and manage our Disney Imagination Campus trips.
Highlight 4: Program Services
Always in the Club launched and expanded several program services:
Coaching & Mentoring: Empowering Young Creatives - Our initiative marked two significant expansions:
Professional Development Portal
- Live booking system for workshops
- Direct access to industry coaches
- Streamlined scheduling platform
- Personalized learning pathways
Student-Mentor Matching Program
- Active application process for aspiring creatives
- Customized pairing with industry professionals
- Structured evaluation and matching system
- Focus on optimal mentor-student alignment
These developments create clear pathways for young artists to connect with entertainment industry veterans, access professional guidance, and accelerate their creative journeys.
| Destination: Disney Imagination Campus: Making Dreams Accessible - Our innovative program structure ensures opportunities are available to all promising young artists, regardless of financial circumstances: Full-Cost Participation
Flexible Payment Solutions
Scholarship Support
This balanced approach allows us to serve families across the economic spectrum while building a sustainable foundation for program growth. Every young artist deserves their chance to shine - our funding model makes that possible. |
| Community Services & Resources: Expanding Our Care Network - We've enhanced and broadened our support services for the Disney community, creating a comprehensive assistance program that reaches more Cast Members in times of need: Our Enhanced Support Now Serves:
Through CSR, we provide critical resources and emergency assistance, ensuring no member of our Disney family faces challenging times alone. This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting those who bring magic to others. |
| Nonprofit Business Management Services: Empowering Social Impact - We've expanded our specialized consulting services for emerging nonprofits and social enterprises, leveraging our expertise to amplify community impact. Our approach combines:
Success in Action: We are particularly proud of our work with Victory Bridge Foundation. We provided consultation on marketing and programmatic development that we believe will help them create a sustainable framework for growth. Services are marketed through our dba CREAT IMPACT NOW. |
| MMC'89 Day of Service: Impact in Action Answering the Call to Serve Our volunteer teams mobilized across two regional food banks, transforming hours of dedicated service into 8,000 meals for families in need. This hands-on community support demonstrates our commitment to immediate, tangible impact. Sharing Industry Expertise We extended our service through the arts, delivering a professional acting masterclass that reached 10 aspiring young performers and their parents. This specialized training provided direct access to industry-level instruction and mentorship by Mouseketeers. Service Impact:
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NASHVILLE
LAS VEGAS
ORMOND/DAYTONA
Our MMC'89 Day of Service embodies our core belief: positive change happens through both direct community support and arts education. Each meal packaged and every student mentored represents another step toward stronger, more vibrant communities.
Highlight 5: Program Promotional Campaigns & Events
| #MMCHolidays - Continuing our partnership with MusiCares Foundation, we held a program promotion and fundraising event in Nashville supporting music people in need. The campaign and event straddled Q4 2023 and Q1 2024 and garnered 508,000 Google Ad impressions, 3 million estimated social media impressions, and 1 million estimated media impressions. We provided a grant of $608 to MusiCares from our event ticket sales and contributed $532 of revenue from our “Why? Because It’s Christmas” album. Note: The #MMCHolidays event in Nashville was both a Promotional Event for our program and a Special Event (Fundraiser) for MusiCares. Although the event generated a profit, most of the revenue was generated in FYE 2023, and most of the expenses were generated in FYE 2024. This causes us to report an $8k loss on our 2024 990. |
| #MMC35 - This program promotion campaign celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club with events and commemorative merchandise. It helped drive sales and donations, attract the press, service our Club Members, and establish new partnership opportunities for our programs. Organic impressions from press outlets like People and US Weekly, combined with social media posts/shares reached into the millions. We also garnered 375k Google Ad impressions and our paid Facebook/Instagram ads reached 150k people. |
Financials
Always In The Club Foundation proudly holds Platinum status with Candid/GuideStar - the highest recognition for nonprofit transparency and accountability. This designation confirms our unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship.
When you donate, you can be confident your generosity directly powers our mission, as verified by one of the nation's most trusted charity evaluators. Every dollar makes a difference, and we ensure it's used with purpose and integrity.
Revenue at a Glance
$217,596
Mission Delivery
$215,640
Directors & Officers Compensation
At Always In The Club Foundation, integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our 501(c)3 operations. While our Mouseketeer board members play vital roles in both our programming and outreach, we maintain the highest standards of nonprofit governance. Our comprehensive conflict of interest policy ensures all board compensation decisions are thoroughly reviewed and approved by independent board members, upholding our commitment to ethical stewardship and compliance.
Management
- Chasen Hampton, CEO: $1,181 - Salary
- Jonathan Smith, CPA (Board Member): $2,400 - Accounting
Contractor Services
- Chasen Hampton (Board Member): $1,684
- Tony Lucca (Board Member): $1,524
- Jennifer McGill (Board Member): $899
Sustainability and Impact
Through our MMC’89 Initiative and guided by the United Nations 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development, we identify opportunities to make a difference across a wide range of causes.
In addition to youth mentoring, our activities included:
- Sorting/packing more than 8,000 meals to feed the hungry
- Supporting veterans, first responders, and their families in mental health, by providing business management services to Victory Bridge Foundation
- Supporting music people in need through our partnership with MusiCares
- Promoting environmental sustainability with our Shop the Club, Plant a Tree initiative
Our Products and Processes
Sustainability is built into our products and processes. Through our Shop the Club, Plant a Tree initiative, we plant a tree for every purchase made in our store to offset CO2 emissions.
We gamified the initiative by allowing fans to name the trees planted in our forests where they often name them after their favorite Mouseketeer.
Since launching the campaign, we have planted 1,443 trees compensating for 194 tons of CO2. Additionally, our corporate website is Net Zero.
Our cost to achieve this was $113.00.
ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS | TAKE URGENT ACTION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS | PROTECT, RESTORE AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE USE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS |
Looking Ahead
Empowering Tomorrow’s Creative Leaders
2024 marked a pivotal year of growth, establishing key partnerships and expanding program awareness. Through successful collaborations and donor support, we strengthened our foundation for impact. Building on this momentum, we're advancing new service initiatives and strategic fundraising opportunities to further our mission in the coming year.
General Management & Administration
Operational sustainability reached 81% through Club membership revenue and significant in-kind support. The remaining 19% will be secured through targeted donor campaigns, service revenue, events, and merchandise sales.
Mission Delivery
Mentoring | Arts Education | Experiential Learning |
We aim to enhance our programs with an accredited curriculum that students take online. Building upon proven educational frameworks, this curriculum includes personal development and leadership training, which we will thoughtfully adapt to align with our unique mission.
This strategic approach also allows us to combine established best practices with the specialized methodology of Disney Imagination Campus, creating a dynamic learning experience tailored to our young students’ needs.
Mentoring & Creative Youth Development
Each student undergoes a thoughtful pre-screening process to ensure the perfect mentor match, setting the foundation for transformative growth. Our carefully designed two—to three-month mentorship journeys allow us to create meaningful impact while serving more aspiring creatives throughout the year.
This focused approach ensures each student receives personalized guidance from our experienced volunteer mentors while maximizing our ability to transform young lives and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Experiential Learning: ‘Destination: Disney Imagination Campus’
Ongoing Campaign Mission: “We’re on a mission to transform the lives of 1,000 children through imagination-powered learning adventures behind the scenes at Disney Parks with Imagineers, professional performers, and company leaders - Destination: Disney Imagination Campus.”
A press release highlighting our mission to provide scholarships for low-income families gained visibility through strategic press outreach. We’re now leveraging the traction and building on its momentum.
Our philanthropic purpose is to remove financial barriers for low-income families and at-risk youth by providing scholarships that cover program expenses, ensuring our educational trips are accessible to all promising young artists. These scholarships enable students to participate fully in Disney Imagination Campus experiences, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Every experiential learning trip integrates direct mentorship from former Mouseketeers and/or other established industry professionals. This personal guidance from accomplished artists and business leaders is a cornerstone of our educational approach.
Additional Experiential Learning Opportunities
Building on our Disney program's success, we're developing additional experiential learning adventures with Educational Destinations. These industry-focused trips will connect aspiring artists with their chosen fields: musicians exploring Nashville's music scene, future filmmakers and actors discovering Los Angeles, and theater talents experiencing Broadway firsthand.
Program Services Monetization
We've created a complete ecosystem of services for passionate individuals of all ages – from aspiring young creatives to experienced adult changemakers. Our programs nurture both children's dreams and adult ambitions, creating a unique bridge between generations of impact-makers.
Whether you're:
- A young dreamer ready to explore your potential
- An adult starting your journey in social impact
- A seasoned professional expanding your reach
- A parent or mentor fostering the next generation
We provide the tools, knowledge, and support to help every age group learn, grow, thrive, and give back to their community. Together, we're building a multi-generational movement of changemakers who understand that impact knows no age limit.
Awareness Campaigns & Events
FY 2025 started with a program awareness campaign event on December 14 in partnership with That’s 4 Entertainment, and featuring Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie stars Nikki DeLoach (Mouseketeer), Drew Seeley, and Jenna Leigh Green. The event also featured Mouseketeers Lindsey Alley and Tony Lucca. It was part of our annual #MMCHolidays campaign and our last #MMC35 event, which celebrated the 35th anniversary of The Mickey Mouse Club. See Blog Recap
Our next program awareness campaign event will occur in March. AITCF will be a benefitting charity and once again present the official after-party with That’s 4 Entertainment. We're bridging treasured memories of the 90s with tomorrow's dreams, inviting both longtime fans and new supporters to be part of our growing legacy of creative transformation.
Always In The Club
Annual Gala 2025
Imagine an evening where stars align to illuminate young creative futures. We're thrilled to share that we’ll soon announce our first-ever Fundraising Gala – a magnificent celebration where art, opportunity, and community unite. This landmark event will empower the next generation of creative visionaries while bringing vital resources to communities hungry for artistic expression. Together, we'll build a foundation of support that will transform lives, ensuring every young artist has the chance to shine.
Strategic Position & Future Outlook
Strategic Investment in Growth: 2024
Our focused investment in program promotion and donor engagement yielded significant returns:
Key Outcomes:
- Expanded donor network
- New strategic partnerships
- Increased program visibility
- Strengthened operational foundation
While these strategic investments impacted our net assets, they established crucial infrastructure for sustainable growth and program expansion. This intentional approach positions us for scaled impact in the years ahead. Always In The Club Foundation stands ready to meet future opportunities, backed by:
- Proven program success
- Strong strategic partnerships
- Diversified revenue streams
- Scalable operational model
- Clear growth trajectory
$ Thousand | Present Year | Next Year Targets | Target Growth |
Contributions | $161.50 | $170.00 | 5.2% |
Events | $28.50 | $40.00 | 40.3% |
Services | $17.50 | $20.00 | 14% |
Our Vision in Action:
We're creating pathways to success for young dreamers, backed by a robust foundation that's 81% self-sustaining through our passionate community of Club Members and supporters. Every dollar we generate fuels our mission to transform young lives through the power of imagination and mentorship.
Innovative Growth Pillars:
Expert-Led Development Programs
- Unlocking creative potential through personalized coaching
- Connecting young visionaries with industry leaders who understand their dreams
- Creating dynamic workshops where creativity meets real-world success
Disney Imagination Campus Experience
- Immersing young artists in life-changing adventures at Disney Parks
- Opening doors to behind-the-scenes learning with Imagineers and performers
- Making dreams accessible with scholarships for promising talent ($200-$2,000 value)
- Targeting expansion to 6-12 magical journeys annually in the future
Revolutionary Learning Approach
- Crafting an accredited curriculum that speaks to young creators' hearts and minds
- Building confidence through personal development and leadership training
- Matching each dreamer with mentors who've walked their path
- Transforming lives through carefully crafted 2-3 month mentorship journeys
Partnerships for Possibility:
We're joining forces with visionary organizations like Boys & Girls Club and CALKids to reach every young creator who dares to dream big. Together, we're breaking down barriers and building bridges to opportunity.
Our Promise:
We're crafting transformative journeys for young talent, where imagination-powered experiences meet real-world mentorship from industry achievers who've turned their creative dreams into reality. Our mission infuses everything we do – from program development to partnerships and fundraising – all united in one powerful purpose: illuminating the path for the next generation of creative leaders to soar beyond their dreams.
This isn't just about education – it's about igniting sparks of possibility in young minds and nurturing them into flames of achievement. Through our sustainable approach to growth, we're ensuring that every young dreamer has the chance to turn their creative passion into their life's purpose.
Board of Directors
Chasen Hampton
Bret Iwan
Gloria Ayee
Patricia Adams
Tony Lucca
Jennifer Kramer
Further Reading
- Shop the Club, Plant a Tree
- Blog Recap: #MMCHolidays @ Nashville
- Blog Recap: Disney Imagination Campus
- Blog Recap: #MMC35 @ Christmas Con
- Blog Recap: #MMC35 @ 90sCon
- Blog Recap: MMC35 @ Vegas
Contact Us
For further information, please reach out to us at Info@alwaysintheclub.org
Always In The Club Foundation works to transform the lives of young people through mentoring and arts education, and guided by the UN’s SDGs, we also support causes related to mental health, hunger, environmental degradation, and the empowerment of women and children through our MMC’89 Social Impact Initiative. Address: 100 East Pine Street, Suite 110, Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407.804.8737 Website: www.AlwaysInTheClub.org |