Central Florida News
Runway To Hope 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million For Children With Pediatric Cancer
ORLANDO, Fla. – As over 2,000 guests cheered on over 100 Central Florida children battling pediatric cancer, over $1 million dollars…and still counting…was raised Saturday night at Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée!
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings also served as an escort to a younger model currently battling pediatric cancer diagnosis. Photo by Shreyank Tripathi / Florida National News.
Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée, Central Florida’s largest and most popular charity gala, was hosted this past Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel & Resort, by Orlando’s very own Johnny Magic with special Celebrity Guests Ryan Cabrera and Alexa Bliss. The evening was opened by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Kissimee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, all taking the stage together to commence the night’s celebration.
This event featured over 100+ incredibly brave children, all of whom are currently battling or have overcome their pediatric cancer, all excited to walk the runway, each one outfitted to match their unique personalities with the help from Runway to Hope’s remarkable volunteers. All outfits were generously donated by the Runway Sponsor for the event, Bloomingdale’s Orlando. All of the “models” made their way down the Runway, to the thunderous crowd approval, hand-in-hand with one of the many national and local celebrities in attendance.
The 90+ celebrity escorts included personalities from each of Central Florida’s local television and radio stations, state and local elected officials, athletes, health care professionals from each of the three Central Florida Children’s hospitals, and many more. Also in attendance were over a dozen of Runway to Hope’s HOPE Ambassadors, whom are some of the extraordinary young men and women who have either surpassed their five year cancer remission mark or have turned 18 years of age. Serving as escorts to the younger models currently battling their own pediatric cancer diagnosis, these young warriors are giving back and serve as an inspiration to others still in treatment.
Other highlights from the evening included special appearances by Central Florida’s very own Congressman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, as well as wrestler Dean “Mojo” Muhtadi, who energized and entertained the audience as he hoisted Runway to Hope Co-Founder, Mark NeJame, over his shoulders, as they raised additional funds for the cause.
2023 Runway to Hope presenting sponsor Harris Rosen (r) the founder of the Harris Rosen Foundation is speaking with former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Runway to Hope was proud to welcome over 100 generous sponsors for the evening. In addition to Bloomingdale’s Orlando, Runway to Hope also welcomed Presenting Sponsors, The Harris Rosen Foundation and Bentley of Orlando. Also responsible for the success of the night were many in-kind sponsors, including 407Creative, The Paper Bar Co., Fun Planners, Fused Fashion, Prive Salon, Atmospheres Florals, as well as others. Hampton Water Rose, Tito’s Vodka, Pepsi as well as Aspire with Us Orlando provided all of the attendees with their pre-function wine, champagne, cocktails, and other beverages. A full list of Sponsors for the evening, please visit RunwaytoHope.org/SpringSoirée.
All Proceeds raised from Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée as well as other various events hosted throughout the year, including Runway to Hope’s Sparkle & Shine 5k in September, go directly back into the community to fund their year-round Family Assistance Program. Proceeds also go towards bringing new programs and initiatives to the three local children’s hospitals here in Central Florida.
Runway to Hope has announced the date for next year’s Spring Soirée; Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at Rosen Shingle Creek
Central Florida News
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.
UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.
FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.
UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.
Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.
Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.
INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
