Disney Day 8/9/14

D23 kicks off their Fanniversary events with two performances at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The event, which is touring around the country, commemorates dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year.

At the Disneyland Resort, artist Jerrod Maruyama will appear at the WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney from 11am to 1pm ats he debuts his latest piece from the Happiest Hipster on Earth Collection entitled Hipster Haunt inspired by the Haunted Mansion.

Hall of Fame college basketball commentator Dick Vitale will be honored on Saturday, Aug. 9, with the Vincent T. Lombardi Memorial Award, given by UNICO, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. Vitale, a member of 11 Halls of Fames, will receive the award as part of UNICO’s annual convention in Palm Beach, Fla.  It’s been an incredible last few months for ESPN’s Vitale, who was given the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Court of Honor Award, Seton Hall Unviersity’s Humanitarian Award and the Eugene D. O’Kelly Award from the American Cancer Society. Known for his unrivaled enthusiasm, unique style and insight, Vitale will be entering his 36th season as an ESPN college basketball analyst.  His commitment to numerous charitable endeavors is highlighted by his year-round efforts on behalf of The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

As always, stay tuned to LaughingPlace.com and @Laughing_Place on Twitter for the latest Disney news all day long.