Richard The Disney Grand Floridian Greeter Was Evacuated During Hurricane Irma And Could Use Your Well Wishes

There are so many different meet-and-greets that can take place at Walt Disney World, but not all of them are with characters such as Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. Cast members at the theme park are just as much great people to meet and one of the most well-known is Richard, the greeter at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Well, Richard Gerth also lives in the real world where he was affected by Hurricane Irma, and the Disney icon could use your thoughts.

If you’re a true Disney fan, then you’ve likely become acquainted with Richard the greeter over the years, even if you’ve never stayed at the Grand Floridian.

UPDATE at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 16, 2017

Richard Gerth has stated he is doing well and being taken care of. He is still awaiting to get back into his home as the community is still flooded and surround by police officers.

After being evacuated in the middle of the night during Hurricane Irma, Richard said police and drivers took him to a safe community center where people were well taken care of.

UPDATE at 10:40 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 16, 2017

An update this morning from Arthur Lyons in I’m So Disney states that Richard is aware of fundraising efforts for him and he has a request.

“I am told today that Richard is now aware of fundraising that various people have organized, and would prefer any donations be made to the assisted living facility where he has residence: Good Samaritan Kissimmee Village, which is located along low-lying Shingle Creek. I am not promoting any of the fundraisers or Go Fund Me pages, and please be vigilant if you do contribute to one of them. Also, the management at Grand Floridian wants everyone to be aware that Cast members cannot accept gifts while on stage and on duty while on property.”

——Begin original article

The 92-year-old cast member greets guests with a smile every single time they enter into the majestic lobby, and he’s more than happy to share a story or two if you ask. Well, he now needs your help and everyone simply wants the best for him after Hurricane Irma forced him from his home.

A post from Arthur Lyons in the Facebook group I’m So Disney reported that the police actually had to evacuate Richard from his home before Irma hit. He was taken to a shelter originally, but he has since been put up by Disney at the Grand Floridian Resort, with which he is obviously familiar.

Richard is 91 and works as a doorman at the Grand Floridian Hotel at Disney World. Never. Stop. Working. #inspiration pic.twitter.com/zWzTH6SyYb

— Cammy (@Captain_Cammy) January 3, 2017

According to the update from today, Richard doesn’t quite know how his home or belongings fared in the storm, as he has not yet been able to return there. So, as of Friday afternoon, the extent of the flooding or what damage his home may have is not yet known.

There have been some reports going around on Twitter that Richard lost everything in Hurricane Irma, but that is not yet confirmed.

Just heard Richard from Disney’s Grand Floridian lost everything in the Hurricane. He was at a shelter but now staying on property. pic.twitter.com/DKfwDj0aXg

— Glenn Briggs (@glennwbriggs) September 15, 2017

For now, Richard Gerth is staying being taken care of and he is still continuing to work. As of this time, he will be greeting guests through Tuesday, but he has Wednesday and Thursday off this upcoming week.

Disney has confirmed that they are taking care of their affected Cast Members in the best way possible.

There are a lot of Go Fund Me pages that have been set up in Richard’s name, but it is hard to know which are legitimate. Many have been proven fake, while people have donated to others and had the funds returned to their accounts.

Richard Gerth is one of the all-time greats and really could be considered a legend at Walt Disney World, which is why the entire internet is worried about him. Hurricane Irma uprooted the lives of many people and while some may think that being put up at the Grand Floridian is great, Richard still wants to return home. Send him your well wishes, give him your thoughts, and if you head over to the resort, be sure to tell him “hi” and talk to him for a while.

[Featured Image by Danny Cox]