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PHOTOS: Mayors Demings, Dyer Declare December 3 Walt Disney World Day

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(l-r) Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings pose for a photo during Orange County Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Disney Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings honored Walt Disney World Resort by declaring December 3 “Walt Disney World Day” in an event at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

After the proclamation, a group of Disney VoluntEars helped sort and pack food to be distributed to thousands of families in need throughout Central Florida.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (3rd from right) and Disney VoluntEars pack boxes with food to distribute to needy families during Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Walt Disney World Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (3rd from right) and Disney VoluntEars pack boxes with food to distribute to needy families during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO Dave Krepcho pointed out that the distribution center was made with the collaboration of the Disney Imagineers, the engineers that create many of the attractions in the theme parks. “They made such an incredible environment that truly inspires,” he said. “When the pandemic broke out, Disney was there first, asking ‘what do you need’ and ‘how can we support you,’ and they were there and kept us strong right from the start, helping us to help the community in such a strong day.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO David Krepcho speaks during Orange County Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Walt Disney World Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida president and CEO David Krepcho speaks during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Second Harvest was one of six nonprofits that received $3 million in Walt Disney World donations this past year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle received the proclamation, saying “it was an honor” to work with nonprofits. “We are fortunate to have been in this community for fifty years,” he added.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right) present their respective "Walt Disney World Day" proclamations to Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings (left) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (right) present their respective “Walt Disney World Day” proclamations to Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Mayor Dyer said that Disney “has had such an impact in Central Florida in so many visible ways, but also in so many not-so-visible ways. We all have a story about Disney, and Disney is all about the power of their stories. Since 1971, Disney has provided hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of ‘voluntEAR’ hours for the community.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Walt Disney World Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer speaks during Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Among the donations to the city, Disney has donated to the Walt Disney Amphitheater in Lake Eola, and is one of the founding donors of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts. Also, Disney donated a million dollars to help survivors and their families of the Pulse tragedy.

Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and other county and city elected officials pose for a photo with Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle during Orange County Mayor Demings' and Orlando Mayor Dyer's proclaimed "Walt Disney World Day" at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and other county and city elected officials pose for a photo with Walt Disney Resort president Jeff Vahle during Orange County Mayor Demings’ and Orlando Mayor Dyer’s proclaimed “Walt Disney World Day” at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Friday, December 3, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Mayor Demings remarked that his connection to Disney reaches all the way back to the 70s, when he worked as a cast member. “In serving this community as long as I have, I have seen the countless number of individuals, cast members and other opportunities that Disney has provided to our community to give back. The time spent making magic for guests from all around the world stays with you forever,” he said.

Demings also pointed out how Disney has contributed to the economy of Central Florida, not only donating money but also providing hundreds of thousands of jobs, as well as collecting and distributing 830,000 pounds of prepared, unserved meals through Disney Harvest. “In 2020 alone these donations provided one million meals to residents in need,” he said.

Disney has also donated $100 million through its children’s hospital program, which benefits patients in Orlando Health, Advent Health, and Nemours.

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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment writer for Florida National News. He is also the Content Coordinator for FNN News en Español. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Entertainment

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

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NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

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Entertainment

Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

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Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.
Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

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Central Florida News

Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows

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OIFW returns Nov. 8-15 with fashion, entertainment and cultural events across Orlando, culminating in a runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week is opening early bird access for its Fall 2026 “The Shows Pass,” giving guests an opportunity to secure admission to the event’s final weekend runway experiences before individual show tickets go on sale.

Orlando International Fashion Week, or OIFW, returns Nov. 8-15, 2026, with a week of fashion, art, music, entertainment, runway shows and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.

Select events will be invitation-only, while public ticketed programming will be offered throughout the week. The celebration will culminate with runway programming at Caribe Royale Orlando, the host hotel for OIFW’s final weekend experiences.

Early Bird Shows Passes

The Shows Pass is designed for guests seeking early access to OIFW’s featured runway experiences during the final weekend.

Early bird options include:

  • 2-Day General Access — Nov. 14-15: $275
  • 2-Day Preferred Access — Nov. 14-15: $425
  • 2-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 14-15: $650
  • 3-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 13-15: $750

Two-day passes include access to featured OIFW runway experiences on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Select three-day pass options also include FEN Social on Friday, Nov. 13, at Society Orlando, along with the final weekend runway experiences.

Individual show tickets are expected to be released at a later date.

Fashion, Entertainment and Tourism Come Together

“Orlando International Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform where fashion, entertainment, culture, and tourism come together,” said Rob Henlon, co-founder of Fierce Entertainment Management. “The Shows Pass gives our audience a first opportunity to be part of the final weekend experience as we prepare to announce more designers, models, featured guests, vendors, and special programming.”

OIFW is a Fierce Entertainment initiative produced and coordinated by Fierce Entertainment Management LLC.

Fall 2026 Model Casting Set for Sept. 26-27

Ahead of fashion week, OIFW will hold its Fall 2026 Model Casting on Sept. 26-27 in continued collaboration with the Global Peace Film Festival.

The casting will give models an opportunity to be considered for fashion, media, festival, promotional, live-event and runway opportunities connected to the Global Peace Film Festival and OIFW’s November 2026 shows.

Fierce Entertainment Management will manage and coordinate the casting.

Vendor Opportunities Available

Vendor opportunities are also available for select Fall 2026 events, including FEN Social at Society Orlando and the OIFW runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Participation is subject to approval, space availability, venue guidelines and production needs.

OIFW Vendor Registration

Additional designers, models, featured guests, performers, vendors, partners and special experiences will be announced as details are finalized.

Early bird Shows Passes are available through the Orlando International Fashion Week official website.

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