Business
Visit Orlando Magical Dining 2024 Breaks Record With 352k Donation To Orange County Charities
Published
2 months agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Visit Orlando proudly announces a record-breaking donation of $352,218 to Orange County charities, raised through the 2024 Visit Orlando Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. This year’s total reflects a 30% increase over 2023 and surpasses the program’s previous record set in 2020.
The program celebrated Central Florida’s diverse culinary scene with $40 and $60 pre-fixe menus at 150 top restaurants, including nine MICHELIN Guide honorees. From every meal, $1 or $2 went directly to local charities, spotlighting the community’s generosity while offering locals and visitors a taste of Orlando’s world-class dining.
Since 2009, Magical Dining has raised over $2.9 million for local charities, with this year’s primary beneficiary being The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, an organization dedicated to helping families recover from hardship and promoting sustainability. The Mustard Seed’s efforts include repurposing over 160,000 mattresses and diverting nearly 4 million cubic feet of waste from landfills.
In addition to the primary donation, Visit Orlando awarded $3,000 grants to nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts. The recipients, chosen for their innovative contributions to sustainability and community well-being, include:
- Hope Along the Way – Supporting families through life’s challenges.
- New Image Youth Center – Empowering youth with educational resources.
- Next Step Foundation – Promoting recovery and wellness in the community.
- United Against Poverty – Offering tools to improve lives and livelihoods.
- WASH Foundation – Advocating for clean water and sustainable practices.
- CDA “WE Care” – Building strong, compassionate communities.
“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining not only highlights the culinary talent throughout our region but also strengthens the community by supporting meaningful local causes,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With a record 150 restaurants participating, including 25 new venues and nine MICHELIN honorees, we’re thrilled to see how this program continues to make an impact.”

Visit Orlando 2024 End-of-Year Celebration. Photo by Stephanie Daltirus / Florida National News
This year’s celebration is hosted in partnership with the luxurious Hilton Orlando, a world-class venue known for its elegant event spaces, exceptional service, and prime location in the heart of Orlando. Attendees can expect a memorable experience filled with fine dining, live entertainment, and meaningful networking opportunities.
“We’re thankful for the support of both our local community and visitors,” added Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer at Orlando Health and Visit Orlando board member. “This record-breaking year showcases how Magical Dining continues to enhance the health and wellness of Central Florida.”
Top Restaurant Performers
- Summer House on the Lake: Top Performing New Restaurant ($40 Menu).
- Chayote Barrio Kitchen: Top Performing New Restaurant ($60 Menu).
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room: Largest Increase in Meals Served Year Over Year.
- Seasons 52 – Orlando: Top Performing Restaurant Overall.
With so many dining options, Magical Dining 2024 has solidified Orlando as a culinary destination.
_____________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III and Stephanie Daltirus
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Business
Orlando Chick-fil-A Restaurants Kick Off 2025 with Free Nuggets and a Chance to Support Childhood Education
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 15, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Participating Chick-fil-A® restaurants in the Orlando area are celebrating the new year by offering guests a delicious deal for a great cause. On Mondays throughout January (Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27, 2025), guests who place a mobile order through the Chick-fil-A App will receive a free 8-count Chick-fil-A® Nuggets entrée, while a portion of proceeds from those orders will benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.
How It Works:
- Place a mobile order on any Monday in January using the Chick-fil-A App.
- Receive a free 8-count Chick-fil-A® Nuggets entrée credited to your Chick-fil-A One® account for future use.
- A portion of proceeds from your order will go directly to the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, supporting children’s health, character development, and wellness programs.
“We’re inspired by all the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation does to improve the lives of children by supporting them through health challenges and helping with character development,” said Matt Beach, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Millenia. “We invite our community to make a difference by placing a mobile order on a Monday. Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you’ll also enjoy a free entrée as our way of saying thanks!”
- Dates: Mondays in January – Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27, 2025.
- Location: Participating Orlando-area Chick-fil-A restaurants.
- How to Redeem: Place a mobile order through the Chick-fil-A App on a Monday. Offers are credited to your account and must be redeemed within 72 hours.
- Cause: Proceeds support the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, which focuses on children’s healthcare, wellness, and character-building programs.
The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation was established to honor the legacy of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer and his wife, Winnie. The foundation empowers future generations to live a “life well played” by focusing on three core areas:
- Children’s Healthcare
- Character Development Programs
- Overall Child Wellness
The foundation is supported by Arnie’s Army, a dedicated group of donors committed to creating meaningful change and improving children’s lives.
- Offers must be redeemed within 72 hours of claiming through the Chick-fil-A App.
- Valid only at participating Orlando-area Chick-fil-A restaurants.
- Limit one offer per Chick-fil-A One® account.
- Offer expires January 31, 2025.
For more information or to locate a participating restaurant, visit Chick-fil-A.com/Locations.
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Business
Danielle Permenter Named to ACCE’s Prestigious Forty Under 40 List for 2024
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 14, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Danielle Permenter, Chief Development Officer at the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), has been recognized among the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 40 Under 40 list for 2024. This accolade highlights her outstanding contributions to the chamber of commerce industry and her innovative leadership in advancing the Orlando community.
ACCE’s Forty Under 40 program annually celebrates the top emerging leaders who exemplify creativity, dedication, and a commitment to driving progress within their communities. The honorees include CEOs and staff professionals from diverse roles and chamber sizes, all recognized for their success and vision.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among such talented and passionate professionals,” said Permenter. “This acknowledgment highlights the impactful work we’re doing at the Orlando Economic Partnership, and I’m excited to continue driving programs that strengthen our community and economy.”
A Driving Force Behind Orlando’s Growth
In her role at OEP, Permenter leads the organization’s strategic initiatives in programs and events, investor engagement, and marketing and communications. Her efforts have significantly contributed to talent and community development through programs like UpSkill Orlando and Leadership Orlando.
Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP, praised her contributions:
“Danielle’s dedication to innovation and community development exemplifies the Orlando Economic Partnership’s mission to advance our region as a global, creative capital. This well-deserved recognition speaks to her leadership and the critical role she plays in shaping our organization’s success.”
An Impressive Career of Service and Impact
A graduate of Florida State University, Permenter’s achievements extend beyond OEP. She is recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and actively contributes to national initiatives, including the ACCE Education & Workforce Development Fellowship and the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management National Learning Network.
Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE President & CEO, emphasized the importance of this recognition:
“These remarkable leaders exemplify the talent and commitment that drive meaningful change. Their inspiring passion to advance their communities and promote innovation in the chamber profession shape a promising future for those they impact.”
ACCE and OEP’s Prestigious Achievements
ACCE represents over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related organizations, with more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. In 2023, the OEP earned the Chamber of the Year award, the highest honor in the industry. Permenter’s leadership played a key role in achieving this recognition, which underscores her ability to inspire excellence and innovation.
The full 2024 Forty Under 40 list was announced in the Fall 2024 edition of Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine.
Takeaways from Permenter’s Recognition
- Danielle Permenter’s inclusion in ACCE’s Forty Under 40 highlights her impact on community development and economic growth.
- Her leadership in programs like UpSkill Orlando demonstrates her commitment to advancing the Orlando workforce.
- This recognition reflects OEP’s position as a leading chamber organization, driving innovation and collaboration.
For more details about the ACCE Forty Under 40 list, visit https://magazine.acce.org/.
________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Published
2 months agoon
December 19, 2024
Event Theme: “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together”
The event’s powerful theme, “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together,” set the tone for an evening dedicated to reflecting on the progress made by the Hispanic community and the path forward. The celebration highlighted the rich history, cultural heritage, and significant contributions of Hispanic leaders in Orange County.
Distinguished Guests and Honorees
The celebration welcomed an esteemed roster of local leaders and dignitaries, including:
- Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
- Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero
- Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar
- Influential leaders and community icons from Orlando’s Hispanic community
Their presence underscored the value of the HHN’s mission and the widespread support for advancing Hispanic representation and contributions across Orange County.
Special Awards and Recognitions
One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the presentation of special awards to individuals who have made a significant impact on the Hispanic community. The following honorees were recognized for their outstanding achievements:
- Hispanic Service Award: Ingrid C. Cotto Suriel
- Honored for her selfless dedication to community service and advocacy for Hispanic causes.
- -Masterpiece Maker Award: Emmanuel De Guzman
- Celebrated for his creative brilliance and contribution to the arts, reflecting the beauty and richness of Hispanic culture.
- Hispanic Artist Award: Renesito Avich
- Recognized for his exceptional musical talent as a Cuban singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known as one of the world’s greatest Cuban Tres Guitar players.
Musical Guest Performance
The celebration was elevated by an unforgettable live performance from Renesito Avich, a Grammy-nominated Cuban musician and singer-songwriter. Renesito’s soulful blend of Cuban Son music captivated the audience with rhythms that connected tradition with modernity. As a multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with musical legends like Oscar de León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Willy Chirino, Renesito’s music served as a cultural bridge for attendees, offering an immersive experience in Latin musical heritage.
About the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County
Founded in 1999 by Orange County Government employees, the Hispanic Heritage Network (HHN) is a volunteer-based, non-profit corporation committed to promoting Hispanic heritage and recognizing the vital contributions of the growing Hispanic population in Orange County. Through cultural events, educational initiatives, and community service, the HHN has become a beacon for Hispanic empowerment in the region.
Impact of the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County
The Hispanic Heritage Network has made significant contributions to the advancement of the Hispanic community in Orange County. Its impact can be seen in the following areas:
- Cultural Preservation: HHN’s events honor the legacy, music, and traditions of the Hispanic community, ensuring future generations stay connected to their roots.
- Leadership Development: By recognizing and supporting Hispanic leaders, HHN fosters the growth of local talent and encourages future leaders to engage in civic and political initiatives.
- Community Engagement: HHN’s grassroots approach brings together community members from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on solutions that impact the entire community.
- Education and Awareness: Through programs and workshops, HHN raises awareness about Hispanic contributions to society, advocating for greater visibility and inclusion.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: The network’s efforts ensure the Hispanic community’s voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels.
Photo Highlights
Florida National News captured stunning photos of the event, documenting the energy, cultural vibrancy, and emotional moments from the evening’s celebration.
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Hidekel Griffin, covers Politics, Faith & Family Lifestyle
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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