A PAIR TO REMEMBER GOES VIRTUAL!

from Orange Appeal January/February 2021

Little did we know that A Pair to Remember was one of the last fundraising events to take place in person in March 2020 before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event’s live auction raised more than $180,000 for Easterseals Florida. Funds that have been more critical than ever before.

by Kate Slentz

Committee photos taken by Christi Ashby in The Mall at Millenia’s new Personal Style Suite.

Nonprofit organizations across Central Florida have been deeply impacted by COVID-19 as needs increase and funds decrease, especially without the ability to gather in person for fundraisers. But organizations have adapted and are creating fun virtual events where donors can still participate.

The 7th annual A Pair to Remember, benefiting Easterseals Florida, is no different and will be held virtually on Friday, March 12. The event will be streamed in partnership with The

Mall at Millenia, long-time host of A Pair to Remember.

“This year you’ll be able to sip cocktails and bid on designer shoes, travel packages and amazing auction items all from the comfort and safety of home. Since moving virtual, we have put together a

Virtual Pair Party Experience for guests to pick up in advance to enjoy the day of the event together, which I’m excited about. Although A Pair to Remember will look different this year, the heart and impact will remain the same,” says 2021 Event Chair Whitney Laney.

“After co-chairing with Sarah Grafton last year, I was honored to take on the role of chair. I have witnessed firsthand the lives changed from this incredible organization. This event deeply impacts families with members living with disabilities to thrive in our community. Your participation and giving are a gift to Easterseals clients and to the families who provide daily caretaking. – Whitney Laney (event chair) ”

The Committee: Pictured: Amy Calandrino, Kim Strong, Audra Wilks, Quinn Crum and Katerina Fedotova. Next page: Whitney Laney and Sarah Grafton. Not pictured: Paige Cooper, Brenda Lounsberry, Kate Slentz, Ricci Culver, Lori Ciaravella, Eva Krzewinski and Courtney Hazouri.

Funds raised allow Easterseals Florida to provide exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with disabilities can thrive in our community. To get involved with Easterseals and/or A Pair to Remember, contact Amanda Concelman at aconcelman@fl.easterseals.com. Stay up-to-date on A Pair to Remember by following them on Facebook and Instagram @APair ToRememberORL, or visit pairorlando.com. I wholeheartedly believe that success is helping others to succeed. It brings me great joy to donate time and treasure to Easterseals to support its mission of making profound, positive differences in the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs. – Amy Calandrino “ ” “For 100 years Easterseals has empowered children, seniors and adults with disabilities to reach their full potential. I volunteer my time through events like A Pair to Remember to keep the awareness in the spotlight and to be a role model to my son. My favorite part of the ” event is seeing the recipients of our efforts on stage smiling and waving to us! The models are also easy on the eyes! – Audra Wilks “I am involved with Easterseals because it is my opportunity to unite with friends to help change the way the world defines and views disabilities. A Pair to Remember is a super fun ” and educational event that raises much needed dollars for this stellar organization. I feel lucky that I was asked to help. – Kim Strong

Whitney Laney (2021 event chair) and Sarah Grafton at the 2020 A Pair to Remember

This article is from:

Orange Appeal January/February 2021