runDisney Charity Spotlight: Girls Inc. of Orange County

Girls Inc. of Orange County is the celebrated charity of the 2025 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.

Hello Friends,

I’m Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County, and I couldn’t be more excited and grateful to be the celebrated charity for the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, happening September 4-7, 2025.

Disney has been a long-time champion of Girls Inc. of Orange County, hosting our girls for externships, career panels, and park experiences. This opportunity is about more than a race — it’s a moment to reflect on why Girls Inc. of Orange County is running toward a bold future, and how every mile, every story, and every act of support helps move us forward. The partnership of this year’s runDisney event in Anaheim will help bring necessary awareness and resources to Girls Inc.’s work in the Anaheim community.

At Girls Inc., our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. For more than 70 years, we’ve worked with girls kindergarten through college across Orange County — equipping them with the skills, tools, and mentorship they need to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and enter the workforce with confidence.

Our work reaches girls from all walks of life. Many are navigating real challenges — from income inequality to limited educational access. Our year-round, research-based programs are designed to meet these girls where they are and build them up from the inside out.

We focus on:

• STEM education to inspire future careers in STEM
• Mental wellness and self-esteem building
• Financial literacy and real-world readiness
• College and career preparation
• Leadership training so girls learn to speak with confidence and purpose

We don’t just prepare girls for the next test — we prepare them for life.

One of our recent graduates, Lana, is a shining example. She entered our programs with quiet determination and left with the skills and self-belief to lead. She graduated high school a year early and earned a full-ride scholarship to Chapman University — a testament to her hard work, her resilience, and to what’s possible when a girl is empowered by a community that believes in her.

Why This Race Matters

By participating in the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend on behalf of Girls Inc. of Orange County, runners and supporters help fund life-changing programs that empower girls to lead, thrive, and succeed. This support expands access to education, mentorship, and wellness resources — sending a powerful message that every girl is capable, confident, and worthy of opportunity.

This race is about more than medals and miles. It’s about building momentum — for the girls of today and the bold women they’ll become tomorrow.