Call Now
Meet Fullbrite!
In 1993, Heart of Florida United Way found a new friend to help “light the way.” He had a glowing personality, lots of energy, and a heart of gold.
His name is Fullbrite, and he originally served as the Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) mascot in the 1990s. Sporting a hat with the United Way logo, Fullbrite is a purple firefly with an affinity for bright clothing and bringing hope to those in Central Florida. Let’s learn a little more about our own HFUW Ambassador!
Fullbrite was designed by the Walt Disney Company in the early 1990s as a custom character meant to represent Heart of Florida United Way. Spearheading the effort to bring a custom mascot to HFUW was notable Cast Member, President of Walt Disney World, and our Campaign Chair, Dick Nunis, who worked directly with the organization to bring the character to life and help with additional merchandising. Upon completion of his basic design, signature, and costume, the mascot needed a name.
Naming Fullbrite
HFUW held a naming contest in 1993 — asking children aged 5-18 to submit name ideas for our new lightning bug friend. In true 90s fashion, contestants were asked to mail in a postcard with their basic information and name suggestion. The contest winner would receive four annual passes to Walt Disney World and bragging rights that their name was chosen.
The grand prize winner was announced at the lightning bug’s community debut on September 24, 1993 at the United Way Kick-Off Luncheon. Winners were selected by a panel of judges including local community children, as well as local celebrities from the Orlando Sentinel, WFTV Channel 9, and MIX –105.1FM. With much excitement, Fullbrite officially gained his name, submitted by 17-year-old Eric Mitchell.
Bringing Fullbrite to Life
The Walt Disney Company took a hands-on role in assisting with costuming and merchandising for Fullbrite after he made his community debut. HFUW developed a plush of Fullbrite in partnership with Disney, which debuted at JCPenney at Fashion Square Mall in 1994. These plush toys were launched with a presentation to the children of Orlando Day Nursery, where the organization was presented with the plush the day before sales went to the public. The proceeds of the plush toy purchases would benefit HFUW.
Attached to the plush was a card printed with the “Legend of Fullbrite,” which contained background on the cheerful character and educated children on the philosophy of doing good in their community. Fullbrite was meant to connect children in the community with the mission of HFUW and provide a fun, eye-catching mascot for the organization.
The Legend of Fullbrite
Fullbrite is a magical creature, a lightning bug that can provide the light to lead people through the dark night. He is special in his ability to help people in need, people who don’t know which way to turn.
Fullbrite wasn’t always so unique. He once lived a normal life among the other lightning bugs, buzzing to work and then home again each day. One day, he took a different path along a very dark and lonely route.
While flying along the darkest part of the path, he heard a cry for help from far below. He slowed down to listen and discovered that the cry came from a small girl and boy lost in the darkness. It was obvious they had lost hope of finding their way home.
Fullbrite paused to think, pondering how he could help. As he thought, his glowing tail shone brightly. “That’s it,” our friend thought. “I can help.” He realized that by slowing down to listen, taking time to think and giving a little extra energy, he could light the way home for this boy and girl.
He led them home through the night. When they arrived safely, their worried parents met them at the door, thankful they were back. The family was together again, and they would never be separated. The were happy, and nothing would ever change.
But something HAD changed – and it was affecting Fullbrite. He had learned how doing something good for someone else made him feel happier than ever before. He also realized that his tail was glowing more brightly than ever before – glowing with the power of hope.
Lighting up the Central Florida Community
The complete Fullbrite character was a gift from the Walt Disney Company to HFUW in 1994, and he became a beloved mascot at campaign kick-off, community events, and around Central Florida. He could often be found out and about in the community, representing at United Way events, or hanging out with fellow mascot Knitro at a UCF game!
Fullbrite remains an ambassador for HFUW, lighting the way for all of those who choose to Live United by helping those in need.