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Don Quijote Awards Finalists and Hispanic Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Announced

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — At a press conference sponsored by Florida Blue, the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. (HBIF) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) announced the Lifetime Achievement Award and Hispanic Community Champion Award recipients as well as the 12 finalists from 4 other categories for the 18th Annual Don Quijote Awards.

The award winners in those 4 categories will be announced at the Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at the Epcot World Showplace Pavilion. Each year, the Don Quijote Awards recognize business excellence, dedication to service and outstanding professionalism among Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

“Each year as we prepare for the Don Quijote Awards Gala, we are reminded of the admirable talent, service and leadership that exists in our community,” said HBIF President and CEO Augusto Sanabria. “We have the privilege of recognizing these individuals and celebrating their accomplishments, which benefit all of Central Florida.”

“This event, which has become an annual tradition in our community, is a great celebration for the Hispanic community of Central Florida. We cherish the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding business and civic leaders, whose contributions to our community have demonstrated success serving as inspiration to many in our region. We are honored to be part of such an amazing community filled with such amazing talented individuals,” said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando President Diana Bolivar.

Honorable Mel Martinez will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact and legacy on the Hispanic community in Central Florida and the nation. He was elected to the United States Senate in 2004, representing Florida as a U.S. Senator. Prior to his time in the Senate, he served as the 12th Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He was the first Cuban-American to serve in both of these high ranking positions.

Senator Martinez also served as Mayor of Orange County (Orlando, FL) and prior to his public service, he practiced law for 25 years having received both his B.S. and J.D. degrees from Florida State University. Today, Senator Martinez serves as Chairman of the Southeast U.S. & Latin America for JP Morgan Chase & Co.

The Hispanic Community Champion Award recognizes a non-Hispanic individual who has supported, promoted the advancement, and demonstrated leadership or involvement for the benefit of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. Aaron Hill, General Manager for Reed Nissan, is the recipient of this award in recognition of his generous spirit and his passion for the community.

For Hill, Reed Nissan is more than just a place to sell cars; It’s a place where the community—its citizens and its businesses—can come together. Aaron has developed numerous Hispanic outreach initiatives. On several Saturdays throughout the year, Aaron invites Hispanic businesses to showcase their products, goods or services on the showroom floor. He has also made it a priority to contract Hispanic-owned businesses as a way to support their economic growth. Even with a busy schedule, he finds time to mentor Latino youth.

Beyond those two prestigious awards, three finalists were named in each of four categories. The 18th Annual Don Quijote Awards finalists are:

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less

  • Chatter Buzz – Asheley Cisneros and Shalyn Dever
  • E-Vacations, Inc. – Maria Guardera and Marco Antonio Galindo
  • Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. – Denisse Lamas

 

Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than Five Years

  • Albu & Associates, Inc. – Jason and Andrew Albu
  • ECX Electronics – Ricardo and Rick Ballester
  • FLQ Interior Design – Erika Benfield

 

Professional of the Year

  • Dr. Cyndia Muñíz, University of Central Florida
  • Gloria Puerto, Feed and Fortify Community Organization, Inc.
  • Karla Radka, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida

 

Excellence Award

  • Henry Maldonado, Enzian and Florida Film Festival
  • Janet Perez Eckles, Language Line Solutions
  • Shawn Seipler, Clean the World Foundation

 

The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Central Florida business community. The event sponsors include Walt Disney World Resort, Florida Blue, CenturyLink, Darden, Florida Hospital, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, Duke Energy, Fields Auto Group, and UPS, among others.

For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.

 

About the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc.

The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida (HBIF) is the leading Hispanic economic development nonprofit organization specializing in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business in the State of Florida. Since 1991, HBIF has promoted the Hispanic entrepreneur, provided programs and created community partnerships to advance economic development and foster job creation. For more information, visit www.HBIFFlorida.org or call 407-428-5872.

 

About the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership and support the economic development of the Hispanic business community of Metro Orlando. Since 1993, HCCMO has strengthened the Central Florida Business Community by providing quality programs through our business model of networking, business development, exposure and recognition. For more information about the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hccmo.org or call 407-428-5870.

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Hola at the Park Set for Oct. 3 in Altamonte Springs; Admission Free

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Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.

According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.

FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices

Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.

The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.

Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.

Photo: Florida National News

Food, Entertainment and Family Activities

The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.

Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.

Photo: Florida National News

A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte

Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.

The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
  • Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
  • Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
  • Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
  • Admission: Free and open to the community
  • Registration: Not required

Photo: Florida National News

Vendor Inquiries

For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.

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ALDI to Launch Seven Ready-Made Meals in October, With Single-Serve Dishes Under $8

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The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.

BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.

The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.

“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.

Price and preparation

ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.

“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.

The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.

2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)

When and where to find them

The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us

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Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children

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Representatives from Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Junior Achievement of Central Florida participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.

Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.

Community partners and preschool students gather around an Addition Financial playhouse during an ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program event at Rosen Preschools.

Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.

Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom

As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.

A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.

Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.

The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.

Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill

Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.

“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”

Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.

Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early

Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.

“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”

Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.

“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.


Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships

The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.

Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.

The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.

Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.

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