NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California—August 7, 2008: The National Fantasy Fan Club's (NFFC) recently completed Western Disneyana Convention, Show, and Sale posted higher than expected attendance for convention events and a greater than expected turnout for the Giant All Disneyana Show and Sale. Additionally, the "A Key to Their World Dinner," which benefited Ryman Arts, exceeded fund raising estimates.

"I am pleased to report we were up on both [Convention and Show and Sale] counts," said Chris Allmon, NFFC Convention Registrar.

Despite increased travel costs and concern over the economy, which has contributed to a slight decrease in Southern California tourism this year, the NFFC Western Disneyana Convention, Show, and Sale experienced, "a 6% increase in convention attendance. Attendance for the Disneyana Show and Sale was up 14%," Allmon went on to say.

Additionally, all but one of the convention pass packages offered for this year's NFFC Western Disneyana Convention showed a marked increase over last year's sales.

Sales of the premium "Golden Dream" package were off by 11%. Sales of the full package "Silver Dream" increased by 17%. Friday and Saturday only "One Day" pass sales increased by 45% and 37%, respectively. Additionally, there was an increase of 10% in the sale of Additional Family Member passes.

A Key to Their World

For the 2008 NFFC Western Disneyana Convention, Show and Sale organization president Kendra Trahan and newly appointed chair of the Special Events Committee (SEC) Anita Schaengold reaffirmed the NFFC commitment to increasing the organization's contribution to the arts and the children and families in need of support.

An adjunct feature of convention week, the very popular "A Key to Their World Dinner" and the organization's annual art auction to benefit Ryman Arts were combined into a single event.

 "We did far better than I expected," said SEC chair Schaengold following the event. "Originally, I thought we'd raise at least $10,000 and I was hoping for $11,000. But it looks like were going to do far better than that."

"Once we have completed a final audit," said NFFC V.P. of Finance Gary Schaengold, Anita's husband, "by my calculation the total will exceed $12,500, more than a 25% increase over last year's event."

SEC chair Schaengold and Marty Sklar, Disney Company ambassador and president of the Ryman Arts board of directors, were co-hosts of this year's event. It was held Saturday, July 19 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove, California. At the banquet, small groups of guests were seated at tables hosted by notable personalities from all phases of Walt Disney Company history. In addition to dinner, $50 of the cost of the banquet went toward the purchase of artists' toolboxes for Ryman Arts students.

Following the dinner, a variety of artworks donated by Disney artists and Imagineers, along with several original works by Ryman students were sold either by silent or open bid auction to attendees.

Guest hosts at this year's dinner and fundraiser were Imagineer Tony Baxter; Disney Company archivist Dave Smith; voice actor Eddie Carroll (Jiminy Cricket); voice actor Mark Silverman (Rod Serling Disney's Tower of Terror attractions); former Imagineer and puppeteer Terri Hardin (Foster Farms chickens); former Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr; retired dancer, actor, and reference model Margaret Kerry (the original Tinker Bell); artist Ron Diaz; and former animator, producer, and new NFFC Disney Legend Joe Hale.

About the NFFC

The National Fantasy Fan Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Walt Disney. Our common goal is to provide Disneyana enthusiasts around the world with news, information, and events that enhance their experience with, and love of, all things Disney.

This goal is achieved through the publication of a member newsletter, the Fantasy Line Express, and by organizing local NFFC chapters, where members can trade information, learn more about their favorite collectables, hold group outings and activities, and just have FUN!

By far the biggest and most popular means of expanding the magic are the NFFC Western and Eastern Disneyana Conventions, where members are informed and entertained by Imagineers, animators, entertainers, authors, and artists from every facet of the Walt Disney Company, along with many outside Disney authorities. Additionally, the All Disneyana Show and Sales, which are open to the public, provide an unparalleled experience for Disneyana and autograph collectors.

Website: http://www.nffc.org

About Ryman Arts

Ryman Arts teaches teens essential skills for art and life in a rigorous, nurturing studio environment. The core program includes free out-of-school sequential studio courses that emphasize advanced drawing and painting skills, along with college and career planning. Courses, taught by professional teaching artists, foster students' artistic development and personal confidence, and provide the knowledge they need to pursue higher education and careers in the arts. Ryman Arts is the only such program in southern California that is totally free and that selects participants solely on the basis of their ability and commitment. By doing so, Ryman Arts is able to serve talented youth from a wide variety of backgrounds without regard to their family's financial status. Ryman Arts aims to inspire, nurture, and challenge the next generation of artists to reach their potential.

Over 150 participants from almost 100 zip codes across southern California gather for 3 ½ hour classes on Saturdays at the USC Roski School of Fine Arts, which has donated use of its studios since 1994. Guest artists, field trips, and intensive college portfolio workshops round out the curriculum. Accepted students even receive professional quality art supplies at no charge. Ryman Arts offers outreach presentations and drawing workshops at schools and community organizations to ensure broad access to the program.

Website: http://www.rymanarts.org

Fine Print

Unless otherwise indicated, the NFFC is not affiliated with or maintained by any corporation, business, entity, person, or persons referenced herein.