ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to close for winter break, Central Florida organizations are joining forces to ensure that thousands of local children continue to have access to nutritious meals.

AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Local Partners Mobilize Holiday Bus to Support Food-Insecure Families. Orlando, Florida, Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing grants to support schools and food pantries across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, benefiting the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced-cost lunch during the academic year.

Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT & EXPANDING SUPPORT

AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains a major challenge in Central Florida, with more than half of school-aged children relying on school as their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap, AdventHealth is launching the “Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus, which will stop at schools, hospitals, sporting venues and community hubs throughout December.

At each stop, residents will be encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. With support from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every item collected will be delivered directly to school food pantries and community partners.

“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift one another up.”

AdventHealth Leads Regional Effort to Ensure Children Have Meals During School Break. Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News

REGIONAL RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED

Nearly 590,000 Central Florida residents — including over 150,000 children — face food insecurity on a daily basis. School district leaders say this collective effort is a tangible example of how community collaboration can relieve stress for families.

Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)

“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.”

“Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners wrap their arms around our children and families during this pivotal time, it ensures stability and hope.”

Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said the organization is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership and the alignment of local partners in supporting families beyond the classroom.

For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has served the Central Florida community as a not-for-profit health care provider. This holiday season, its mission continues beyond the hospital doors — delivering nourishment, compassion and support for families in need.

For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and the list of most-needed food items, visit: www.FeelWholeHoliday.com

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News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, two leading organizations supporting Hispanic business and professional success across Central Florida, unveiled the finalists for the 2025 Don Quijote Awards, along with this year’s Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The announcement took place at the Center for Health and Wellbeing—space provided by the Winter Park Health Foundation—and featured remarks from Juan Amo, Chair of the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala and Senior Vice President, Marketing Executive at Bank of America.

Amo emphasized the enduring spirit behind the awards. “What I hope our community takes away from this year’s Don Quijote Awards is a renewed belief in the power of perseverance and purpose. The stories of our finalists and honorees show that success isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to lead, to serve, and to dream beyond limits,” he said.

The Don Quijote Awards honor individuals and businesses demonstrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Hispanic business sector. Winners will be announced at the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

2025 Gala Theme — “Legacy in Motion”

This year’s theme pays tribute to Hispanic American trailblazers whose leadership and vision helped shape opportunities across the United States.

“Every one of us carries a thread that was first placed by a mentor or someone who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion, reminds us that while a single strand can break under pressure, braided together we form a rope strong enough to pull the future forward.”

Prospera Central & Northeast Florida Regional Vice President Katia Medina added, “Leadership is not only about achievement—it’s also about the legacy we leave. We proudly celebrate those whose courage and determination have paved the way for others and continue to inspire new generations.”

2025 Finalists Announced

Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year Finalists

• Dr. Bling by Bling Aesthetics – Owners: Dr. Ariel Casillas & Javier Hernandez

• Graceful Paws Pet Clinic – Owner: Dr. Lynette Reyes

• Mia, Mia Brand – Owners: Juan Ceballos & Maria Tapias

Hispanic Enterprise of the Year Finalists

• Angel For Kids and Families – Owners: Elizabeth & John Valencia

• Taino’s Bakery – Owners: Nicolas Fuste & Liza Padilla

• Coffee For The Soul – Owner: Paola Bornacelli

Professional of the Year Finalists

• Dr. Andrea Guzman – Vice President for Access and Community Engagement, UCF

• Rafael Caamaño – Director, UCF Innovation Districts & Business Incubation Program

• Jeff Villanueva – CEO, AdventHealth Seminole Market

Excellence Award Finalists

• Ana L. Cruz – HOLA Coordinator, City of Orlando

• Dr. Valeria Baldivieso – Geriatric Medicine Medical Director, AdventHealth

• Carlos Torres – Chief Deputy, Orange County Sheriff’s Office

2025 Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Hispanic Community Champion Award

The 2025 honoree is Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
Evins has expanded Hispanic representation on the United Arts board to 20% and launched the Diverse Leadership Pipeline program, connecting multicultural leaders with nonprofit board opportunities. She has supported more than 100 organizations and artists through grants, residencies, and visibility initiatives such as DTO Live and Artistry Magazine. Her leadership continues to strengthen cultural access and representation across Central Florida.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Ramon Ojeda, Executive Director of the National Mango Board.
Ojeda, the first President of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader for economic inclusion—doubling membership, tripling revenue, and earning national honors including “Chamber of the Year.” His continued work supports small business growth and promotes innovation and healthy lifestyles nationwide.

The Don Quijote Awards are supported by Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Orlando Health, Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, AdventHealth, Travel + Leisure, Hard Rock, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Blue, JPMorgan Chase, JCQ Services, and other partners.

For more information, visit donquijoteawards.com.