On Saturday, May 21, 2022, the scene at Loews Sapphire Resort was nothing short of whimsical, with a magical hedge wall that presented champagne to guests, stilt walkers donned in floral draping, and guests testing their casino skills in blackjack and roulette while enjoying fancy cocktails from the libations lounge. The occasion? Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s first-ever Ultimate Garden Party presented by The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation!
The event was everything our event planning committee could have hoped for and then some! We are so grateful for all of the sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers that rallied together to make the event such a success. Together, you all helped raise over $400,000 for children, families, and seniors in our community who are facing hunger. That will provide over 1.6 million meals to our Central Florida community – incredible!
For those of you who were not able to make it, we’ll highlight a few parts of this fun event!
Jason Guy and Michelle Imperato from WESH 2 joined us to host the first Ultimate Garden Party. WESH 2 was the media partner for the event, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their support – informing and engaging our community every step of the way!
Blue LaLa Entertainment brought some of the most magical and fun entertainment we’ve ever seen at an event – from stilt walkers, contortionists, and amusing walking entertainers before the event, to a lively opening number for the program, we couldn’t imagine Ultimate Garden Party without them!
Susie from Wolf 103.1 entertained guests on the red carpet and did a complete social media takeover on Second Harvest’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
Nine amazing vendors had a variety of things to shop for, and even donated 25% of their sales back to Second Harvest’s mission! Special thanks to A Spoon Full of Hope, Jess’s Wandering Goods, Kendra Scott, Supermoon Candle Co., LiveTrends, Form Function Form, Hidden Relics, Discover Downtown, and The Pink Chalet
Tito’s, Bacardi, and Ivanhoe Park Brewing provided delicious and refreshing craft cocktails and beers for all to enjoy!
All-In Casino entertained guests with riveting casino-style games, while Nevin Scott Zink filled the Libations Lounge with smooth acoustic sounds.
Guests were moved by Stephanie and Jeremy Carter’s story of overcoming challenges and doing everything possible to provide a safe, stable environment for their children. They are truly inspiring!
Alpert Enterprises led an exhilarating live auction, which led to over 25 individuals heading to Africa for a week filled with safaris and fun! Our favorite part? The Bid from the Heart – which raised over $84,000 in less than 5 minutes!
What an incredible day – all of which was made only possible thanks to our amazing co-chairs, Carralyce Buford and Jaquie Dua, and our Ultimate Garden Party committee, whose mantra is “Make It Happen!” Special thanks to Andrea Patenaude, David Plowden, Jordan Vaughn, Katie Johnson, Molly Hug, and TJ Padilla for putting your hearts and souls into making Ultimate Garden Party not only happen but a huge success!
Thank you again to all of our incredible sponsors, especially The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation and WESH 2, our amazing donors, volunteers, and guests who came out to support the first-ever Ultimate Garden Party. We are so grateful to be a part of a community that is so committed to helping end hunger.
We hope to see you next year!
Stay tuned for updates on next year’s event.
View more Ultimate Garden Party photos on Facebook.
