What an exciting afternoon we had on Saturday, May 20th, 2023! Why, might you ask? It was Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s 2nd annual Ultimate Garden Party presented by The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation! All had a fantastic time at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Guests had champagne handed to them through a magical hedge wall, stilt walkers and floor entertainment dazzled guests with their ornate costuming and whimsical moves, and guests got to test their casino skills while enjoying refreshing cocktails in the libations lounge sponsored by CHEP.
The event was everything our planning committee could have hoped for and then some! We are so grateful for all the sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers who rallied together to make the event a success. Together, you helped raise over $325,000 for children, families, and seniors facing hunger in Central Florida. Your support will provide more than 1.3 million meals – incredible!
Here are a few highlights of this fun and impactful event:
Jason Guy and Michelle Imperato from WESH 2 News returned as our incredible emcees! WESH 2 News 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 the Ultimate Garden Party without them!
Six amazing vendors had various things to shop for and donated 25% of their sales back to Second Harvest’s mission! Special thanks to Kendra Scott, Hidden Relics, The Pink Chalet, Gina Cueto Jewelry, Jillian Says!, and Gold Dust Home!
Tito’s, Blue Chair Bay, 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 Jordan Foley filled the Libations Lounge with smooth acoustic sounds.
Donna shared how unexpected challenges caused her to cut down on living expenses, including food. Her story of overcoming challenges while caring for and supporting others captivated the audience. We are grateful she bravely shared her incredible story with us.
Alpert Enterprises led an exhilarating live auction, selling over 25 opportunities for adventures around the globe and facilitating the Bid from the Heart, which raised over $68,000 in less than 5 minutes!
What an incredible day – thanks to our amazing co-chairs, Carralyce Buford and Jaquie Dua, and our Ultimate Garden Party committee! Special thanks to Andrea Patenaude, Jordan Vaughn, Katie Johnson, and Rachel Eisenberg for putting your hearts and souls into making Ultimate Garden Party a huge success! Additional event photos can be found on Facebook.
Again, thanks to our incredible sponsors, especially The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation and WESH 2, our dedicated donors, volunteers, and guests who came out to support the second annual Ultimate Garden Party. We are so grateful to be a part of a community that is so committed to helping end hunger.
Stay tuned for updates on Facebook and www.ultimategardenparty.org.
