A Decade to Remember

by Kate Slentz

Every spring, typically the first Friday in March, I wake up and put on my best spring dress and chicest shoes, and head to The Mall at Millenia for one of my favorite events of the year. It’s one we’ve always looked forward to and Orange Appeal has been proud to support for the last decade: Easterseals Florida’s A Pair to Remember. I t’s hard to put into words the feeling of the day at this ladies’ brunch and auction to benefit the many programs for people with disabilities at Easterseals Florida. From the moment you step inside the mall, there is an energy of positivity, camaraderie and gratefulness. As you join guests in the Orchid Court for the morning champagne reception, old and new friends greet each other and compliment one another’s outfits. There are toasts, pictures and laughter. Charming local celebrity men walk around and show off swoonworthy shoes that will be part of the live auction packages, which also include exclusive local experiences as well as popular travel destinations.

As attendees are ushered into the Grand Court for the lunch program and live auction, we continue to converse and greet people we may have missed during the reception. A plated lunch and wine service awaits, and we eat and catch up with friends at our table before the main event begins — the lively live auction where the shoe men from the reception work the stage and try to run up the bids on their auction packages. The crowd claps, cheers and encourages other bidders, knowing the funds raised will benefit a worthy cause. Easterseals features several of their clients and their stories throughout the program.

When the program and auction conclude, it is far from over as attendees are encouraged to shop at participating boutiques within the mall, which donate a percentage of proceeds back to Easterseals. The party continues as guests group up and shop different stores. Our crew typically heads to Neiman Marcus where we are greeted with champagne and friendly service. We leave feeling exhausted but also energized by the connections we made and the cause we helped support.

Through our partnership with Easterseals Florida and helping them promote this annual fundraising event, we have become familiar with many of the local programs the organization offers, such as the adult day health care services at Day Break at the Miller Center. Members enjoy activities designed with individuality in mind to benefit core balance, cognitive and motor skills, problem solving and socialization. Participation in the adult day program, which also includes dementia care, allows time for caregivers to work outside the home and provides support for caregivers and other family members.

Another very special program, close to my heart and my home, is Camp Challenge, off State Road 46 in Sorrento. Camp Challenge provides 63 acres of recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Campers stay in climate-controlled cabins while still enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Overnight camp allows campers to gain independence and make new friends while providing respite for caregivers and families.

Easterseals Florida was recently awarded a multi-year grant through Orange County Citizen’s Commission for Children. The funding fully supports its Disability Navigator Program with a team of six staff. This Disability Navigator Program provides screening, referral, linkages, and case management services for children with disabilities. Through this new program, Easterseals staff are advocating and helping to ensure that disabled children in Orange County’s most vulnerable zip codes have access to needed services and interventions.

For more information visit easterseals. com/florida. Orange Appeal’s table at A Pair to Remember 2019: Wendy Tramell, Pam Lively, Eva Krzewinski, Mary Colton, Margie Supplee, Christi Ashby, Michelle Greene, Michal Yakar and Kate Slentz.

Committee members photographed in the gardens at Day Break at the Miller Center. Shoes provided by Lilly Pulitzer, Giuseppe Zanotti and Jimmy Choo at The Mall at Millenia. Left image: Paige Cooper, Whitney Laney (co-chair), Sarah Grafton (chair) and Kim Strong. Right image: Kate Slentz, Ashley Landers, Amy Calandrino, and Easterseals Florida CEO Sue Ventura. Committee members not photographed: Marissa Colli, Ricci Culver, Audra Wilks and Brenda Lounsberry.

EASTERSEALS FLORIDA A Pair to Remember

As Easterseals Florida’s largest fundraiser, A Pair to Remember is not possible without the dedication of its committee, which I was proud to join last year. Together we work to secure sponsorships, silent auction items and those coveted live auction experiences. For the 16th annual event, we’re introducing a garden party theme and are excited to be partnering with Arthur’s Catering on the food and beverage and Our DJ Rocks on the entertainment, along with our continued partnership with host The Mall at Millenia.

“Our committee cannot wait to share the surprises we have in store for A Pair to Remember 2020, including a new theme and entertainment! We are going to have even more fun while doing even more good!” says A Pair Chair Sarah Grafton.

“I am so excited to share with you this year’s garden theme! We have incorporated all the things you know and love about the event and have added layers to it; bringing new life and energy to Easterseals’ A Pair to Remember,” adds Co-chair Whitney Laney.

The highlight of the event every year is a live auction featuring the hottest designer shoes, donated by boutiques in The Mall at Millenia, such as Lilly Pulitzer, Giuseppe Zanotti and Jimmy Choo, and local boutiques like Sultre and Tuni in Winter Park. These are “paired” with exclusive travel experiences that in the past have included VIP trips to New York City with tickets to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon; a weeklong stay in a house in Nantucket; and a two-night stay at the luxurious Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah. These packages often include round-trip flights courtesy of long-time partner JetBlue.

You’re invited to Easterseals’ annual A Pair to Remember garden party on Friday, March 6, from 10:30am – 2:00pm at The Mall at Millenia. Enjoy this exclusive ladies’ luncheon where you have the opportunity to view the latest spring fashions and raise your bid paddles for the hottest designer shoes and unique travel experiences to benefit children and adults with disabilities in our community. For information on sponsorships, tickets and event details, contact Amanda Concelman at aconcelman@fl.easterseals.com, or visit PairOrlando.com.