Hospital funding boosted

The Walt Disney Co. spread a little more of its magic around town on Thursday by announcing that its foundation will make a $1-million contribution to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in support of the planned Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center.

Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck joined studio executives on the studio lot during a ceremony honoring T.J. Baptie, who recently retired as vice president of community relations for Disney Worldwide Outreach.

Roy Disney, Walt Disney’s nephew, and Dr. Raul Mena, medical director of the cancer center, led the check presentation and acknowledged Baptie’s involvement with Providence St. Joseph Medical Center as the impetus for continuing the partnership between the medical center and the studio.

Baptie’s retirement was a bittersweet occasion, Disney said, adding that she will be greatly missed but is well deserving of the rest.

“You have made Burbank a better place for everyone,” Disney said.

Baptie has served on both Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s operating and foundation boards over the years, providing leadership support to the hospital’s various capital campaigns.

Disney’s support of the medical center dates back to when Walt Disney himself participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital’s first building. The Walt Disney Co. has continued to support the medical center by contributing to its two annual fundraising events.

In his remarks, Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, told the more than 100 attending about a golf tournament he and Baptie won on the hottest day of the year in Temecula. Her tenacity is what got them to the final putt, he said.

“In golf as in life, there are winners and losers, and my friends, T.J. is always a winner,” he said.

Following a comical video saluting Baptie on her retirement, Mayor Marsha Ramos proclaimed the day as T.J. Baptie Day and presented the honoree with a proclamation listing her accomplishments.