What. A. Weekend!
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida held the 3rd annual Ultimate Garden Party presented by The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. The event was a resounding success, raising over $ 376,000 and providing over 1.5 million meals to our community.
Upon arrival, guests experienced a touch of magic as champagne welcomed them through a hedge wall. Stilt walkers and floor entertainment adorned in ornate garden-themed costuming captivated guests with their whimsical performances. Guests also tried their luck at casino tables while enjoying refreshing cocktails in the libations lounge! Meanwhile, a walking magician and fortune teller added additional elements of mystique to the day.
Amidst all that enchantment, the true essence of Ultimate Garden Party shone through. Thanks to all the sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers whose collective impact made the 3rd Annual Ultimate Garden Party a success. We cannot thank you enough!
Event Highlights
Returning for her third year in a row, Second Harvest Food Bank Board Member and WESH 2 Anchor Michelle Imperato joined as emcee, bringing WESH 2 Anchor Jesse Pagan along with her! WESH 2 served as the Media Partner for the event once again, and we could not be more thankful for their support—informing and engaging our community every step of the way!
Blue LaLa Entertainment brought the most magical and fun entertainment we have ever seen at an event – from tree-like stilt walkers to floral contortionists to a lively opening number for the program; we cannot imagine Ultimate Garden Party without them!
Nine amazing vendors brought something special for everyone and even donated 25% of their sales back to Second Harvest’s mission! Thanks to Kendra Scott, Gina Cueto, LOVEthirteen, Whimsy Kei, Elm Circle Quilt Studios, The Pink Chalet, Jillian Says, and Alma Ocean for joining us!
Tito’s, Bacardi, 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 thrilling casino-style games while Nevin Zink filled the Libations Lounge with smooth acoustic sounds that added a delightful ambiance to the day.
Jeremy Mikaelson wowed the crowd with card and magic tricks, and guests gazed into the future with fortune teller Angelique Luna!
Guests were moved by Michele’s story of caring for her family and giving back to her community. We are so grateful she bravely shared her incredible story with us. Watch her story below.
Alpert Enterprises led an exhilarating live auction, including multiple opportunities for adventures around the globe and the Bid from the Heart.
What an incredible day—all of which was made possible thanks to our amazing co-chairs, Carralyce Buford and Jaquie Dua, and our Ultimate Garden Party committee! Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Special thanks to Andrea Patenaude, Ashley Bedford, Cherlette McCullough, Danny Betancourt, Janielle Whitehead, Jordan Vaughn, Katie Johnson, Rachel Barnes Eisenberg, and Sharon Joseph for putting your hearts and souls into making the Ultimate Garden Party an enormous success!
Finally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors, especially The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation and WESH 2, our generous donors, volunteers, and guests who came out to support the third annual Ultimate Garden Party. Your financial contributions, volunteer time, in-kind donations, and passion for the mission are deeply appreciated. We are so grateful to be a part of a community committed to fighting hunger, feeding hope and helping neighbors thrive.
Check out the photo gallery online and on Second Harvest’s Facebook page.
