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november | december 2020

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Gifts for Giving: Local Love

This season you are invited to shop with area retailers, artisans and companies who are offering a wide range of sure-to-please items for her, him and them. From beautiful candy dishes and serving boards to statement-making earrings and clutches to must-haves for the cocktail connoisseur, there are plenty of sparkling treasures to choose.

The Impact of Philanthropy

Due to the enormous strain on Central Florida’s essential nonprofits, this year’s philanthropy issue feature focuses on those who receive and manage the community’s gifts, and what the support means to their organizations. Learn how you are helping from Nancy Robbinson, United Against Poverty; Cheryl Collins, Orlando Ballet; Allison Krall, Coalition for the Homeless; Karen Willis, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County; and Juliette Kong, Kids House of Seminole.

National Philanthropy Day Program

This annual event — virtually this year on November 12 and produced by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Florida Chapter — recognizes nonprofit organizations whose efforts change the face of our community. This year’s honorees include: ELEVATE Orlando, Harbor House of Central Florida, The Sharing Center, Foundation for Seminole County Schools and Miracle Network Dance Marathon.

All photos by Christi Ashby

on the cover: Holiday gifts from local retailers, companies and makers. Photos by Christi Ashby. Details on page 88.

88 november | december 2020

november | december 2020

columns 18 54

10 THE LIST

People, places and things: Downtown street scenes reveal interesting art; Flat-out fashion celebrates stylishly comfortable and holiday-worth shoes; Iconic Tiffany & Co. boasts a refreshed look at The Mall at Millenia; Women to Watch: Three local authors, Secily Wilson, Christine Rizzo and Melissa Wiggins, share their inspirations; The latest exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art, JEFRË: Points of Connection, turns the patron into the participant.

34 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT Tips and toes get twinkly and bright with hot polish shades; For some holiday glow, check out these skin and beauty treatments from local experts; Drs. Deborah and Victor Harding discuss high-energy blue light from screens and the risks it poses; Women Who Inspire: Brea Weiss shares her heart for philanthropy and why she continues her volunteer work.

52 TASTES & EXPERIENCES An extra crispy, cheesy quesadilla to try from Santiago’s Bodega; One of the country’s most anticipated restaurant openings, Knife & Spoon brings together the talents of award-winning and well-known Chef John Tesar with Chef de Cuisine Gerald Sombright; Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe combines an appetizing ambiance with a delicious menu; Downtown’s Beau Monde offers savvy sipping in a beautiful world swirling with sophistication; ABC Fine Wine & Spirits continues its local legacy of philanthropy and in-store selections.

64 HOME & DESIGN Chic Rustique in Ivanhoe Village features a variety of home décor items, unique accents and custom furnishings; Karen LeBlanc reports on the strong nostalgia trend in today’s décor with updated nods to the past; The 34th annual Festival of Trees returns with a timely theme — Joy to the World.

78 AGENDA Even though the big galas and cocktail parties are off the calendar now, there are smaller, socially distanced events happening all over town.

72 Orange Appeal makes a great gift any time! Subscribe at orangeappeal.com. Get all the event info by signing up for the e-newsletter or visiting our interactive website. For changes of address, or to cancel or renew your subscription, visit orangeappeall.com/subscribe-to-orange-appeal/. 2

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welcome

Wishing You a World of Whimsy

hew! It’s been quite an

For many years, I decorated in neat

unbelievable year and I bet

themes — sometimes even wrapping all

we’re all hoping there’s a

the gifts in coordinating paper, ribbon and

Santa coming. With the

embellishments. I am sure my kids remem-

holidays approaching, we

ber the white iridescent year. But when

could all use a dose of humor, joy and welcome

downsizing a while back I realized I had

surprises. Typically, our season of giving arrives

way too many boxes of holiday stuff — it

with the National Philanthropy Day awards

was just stuff — and got rid of most of it. I

breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando in Novem-

admit the first few holidays I was a little

ber that recognizes and honors the good works

remorseful. But now with four grandchil-

from individuals, corporations and organiza-

dren, it’s all about them. I have developed a

tions in our community. The crowd is always

new sense of decorating — toned down and

energized and appreciative even if the hour is

scaled back except for the tree. There in all

early. This year it will be virtual, and you can read

their glory hang donut, dinosaur, taco, hot

about the honorees beginning on page 111 and

dog and cupcake ornaments — there’s even

learn more about the week’s activities.

a stuffed pink flamingo sitting in the faux

I will really miss the morning — and will

spruce. Everyone — all 10 of us — has their

especially mourn our annual ladies’ spa day

own initial ornament, carefully placed.

afterward. Please, support our area’s nonprofits as you are able

And — please no admonishments —I even started the process

— their funding is less and their services are even more in

before Thanksgiving because it brings me and those little ones

demand. In our philanthropy feature, we flipped the switch and

joy.

instead of focusing on the philanthropists we shined a light on the

My most recent whimsy was delightfully Netflix binging Emily in Paris. J’adore Emily! The situations, though unrealistic, prove

recipients of their gifts. And now for the whimsy… we could have shied away from our

that a young woman with determination, quick-wittedness and a

holiday gifts editorial feature, but we wanted to do all we could to

love for life can overcome a variety of obstacles in the most fabu-

support our local makers and stores. We encourage you to shop

lous fashions ever. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and a beautiful escape

local this season even if it is less convenient to do so. There are so

from reality. Who doesn’t want to go back to Paris someday?

many thoughtful, fun and festive items to be found around town.

We all need a little respite from the serious subjects of 2020.

We particularly wanted to highlight individuals who may only

So, don’t even sweat over the proverbial new year’s resolution.

have a social media storefront. They are working like elves to cre-

Indulge in that bowl of ice cream, binge-watch TV to your heart’s

ate and deliver!

content, and count your blessings every day.

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@OrangeAppeal

@appeal_media

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com CIRCULATION CONSULTANT

Mollie Oâ€™Shea BUSINESS MANAGER

Robert Ashby CONTRIBUTORS

Shainna Ali, PhD, LMHC, NCC Deborah Harding, MD Victor Harding, MD Karen LeBlanc PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Rita Tyrrell FOR ADVERTISING:

advertising@orangeappeal.com FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS:

subscriptions@orangeappeal.com

orangeappeal.com Copyright 2020. No materials may be reproduced without permission. Please do not send unsolicited articles or photographs. Publisher not responsible for individual opinions contained herein. Orange Appeal (Permit #201) is published bi-monthly by Appeal Media & Events Group, 1903 Michael Tiago Circle, Maitland, FL 32751. Printed in USA. Standard postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange Appeal, 1903 Michael Tiago Circle, Maitland, FL 32751 6

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connect! MAIL

Make sure you receive your issues of Orange Appeal right in your mailbox. If you havenâ€™t signed up in the past six months, please visit orangeappeal.com/subscribe and click on the special offer. Please send change of address info to subscriptions@orangeappeal.com. Interior Appeal will be sent to you three times a year with your subscription!

Sign up at orangeappeal.com for the Orange Appeal e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox at least twice monthly. Keep up with community and charity events! For advertising info, email: advertising@orangeappeal.com To submit events, email: events@orangeappeal.com

EVENTS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our scheduled events have been postponed until further notice.

For updates and details, visit orlandowomensconference.com. For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com. MONTHLY LADIES LUNCHEONS For more information, visit the Orange Appeal Facebook page.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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@APPEAL_MEDIA Get behind-the-scenes peeks!

SHARE Pass along your copy to a friend when you're finished reading it! 8

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thelist city sightings Downtown Orlando, strangely quiet for months, is still filled with interesting sights on sidewalks. These intriguing window views at CityArts revealed a recent thought-provoking exhibit by Ben Van Beusekom, BOMBSHELL: Masquerading Warfare. The rebellious, unconventional and elegant creations of gas masks evoke beauty instead of horror. The artist channeled his love of fantasy to transform these apocalyptic protectors into elaborate headpieces designed to titillate the senses.

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flat out

Jimmy Choo Gala glitter pointed-toe ballet flat with bow-appliqué

FABULOUS! Just because staying in is the new going out and comfy is the uniform du jour, it doesn’t mean you can’t go for some glam this holiday season. These styles are sure to flat-ter your twinkly toes.

Badgley Mischka Gabi embellished pointed-toe flat

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Noor crystal embellished flat

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi flat in blue satin with sparkling buckle

Jimmy Choo Attlia rose gold crystal covered pointed-toe flat Kurt Geiger London Princely crystal embellished mule

Tory Burch crystal bow and tweed ballet flat

Badgley Mischka Quinn embellished pointedtoe flat

beautifully

bejeweled 12

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thelist

Pas de Rouge Janet zebra-inspired skimmer flat

Amalfi by Rangoni Glicine fur trimmed flat

Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Eugene calf hair ribbon loafer

Kate Spade New York Sunday snakey slingback flat

Sam Edelman Jillie ballet flat in blue

Donald Pliner Balton loafer with chain detail

animal

instincts 14

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Linea Paolo Dean dâ€™orsay-style pointed-toe flat

thelist Manolo Blahnik Yola satin embroidered ballet flat

Bella Belle Pippa embellished floral ballet flat Birdies Phoebe multi-colored brocade mule

Gucci Princetown GG floral mule slipper

Manolo Blahnik Hanisi black lace ballet flat

prettypetals Valentino Garavani Rockstud pointed-toe mule

Schutz Laurie studded loafer in suede

Sam Edelman Evelan chaindetailed loafer mule

Jeffrey Campbell Lavinia moc-croc with chain strap flat 16

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hothardware

thelist

Tiffany & Co.

A Fresh Redesign For The Brand Tiffany & Co. is unveiling the fresh redesign of its store at The Mall at Millenia — which first opened in 2002 — just in time for holiday gifting. The nearly 4,200 square-foot store, which is located prominently on the second level, creates a luxurious atmosphere that immediately immerses guests into the world of Tiffany with its sleek, modern aesthetic. Each element of the store is designed to be

marble and fluted mirror case lines, high-

standing tradition of gift giving at Tiffany.

captivating and unexpected, yet inviting

light the exceptional jewelry pieces. A

The Mall at Millenia store displays the

and evocative of the brand’s rich heritage.

wall inspired by the famous Tiffany Blue

brand’s radiant diamonds and latest jewelry

The façade features a Tiffany Blue glass

Box and Wheat Leaf detailing throughout

designs by Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer

statement wall with Wheat Leaf etching

the store create a mix of the traditional

Reed Krakoff. In celebration of the rede-

and glass panels with show windows

with modernism.

signed store, there will be a vast High

offering clear visibility into the store’s

To incorporate more interactive ele-

Jewelry presentation which highlight’s

entry. The store showcases unique uses of

ments, Tiffany installed a personalization

Tiffany’s innovative artistry and superla-

marble, travertine, glass and steel to create

counter where clients have the opportunity

tive diamond and colored gemstone legacy.

a cohesive and elevated feel in its bright

to experience on-site custom engraving,

The store will also feature new and notable

open space.

ranging from wedding bands, tags and

engagement ring styles that are master-

The customer journey offers increased

pendants to home and accessories items

fully cut and showcase incredible vibrancy

storytelling and an engaging shopping

while they wait — making their Tiffany

and light. The recently launched Tiffany

experience. The store also offers two pri-

experience a truly personal one. Another

T1 collection will be displayed, offering a

vate salons for pampered viewing of

design element that is sure to captivate

reimagining of the Tiffany T collection

selected jewelry. Visual elements, includ-

shoppers is a Blue Box wrapping station

celebrating the iconic “T” motif — fea-

ing built-in wall showcases and white

— making ceremony out of the long-

tured in jewelry designs since the 1980s.

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thelist

THE MAKING of the 2020 ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE by Kate Slentz and Christi Ashby,

Co-Founders, Orlando Women’s Conference

Originally scheduled for April 9, 2020, the on-again, off-again, on-again 10th annual Orlando Women’s Conference took place virtually on September 18, with more than 50 speakers

Christi Ashby and Kate Slentz

and 400 registrants. At 8:35am we began broadcasting live from Grande Lakes Orlando, home of the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando.

he lockdown due to COVID-19

Associates, the Orlando Magic, Advanced

with an interactive presentation on phi-

brought the in-person event to

Recovery Systems, Seaside National Bank

lanthropy. Dr. Omayra Mansfield, Vice

a screeching halt just three

& Trust and Siemens Energy; along with

President and Chief Medical Officer at

weeks before the original con-

our supporting sponsors: Walt Disney

AdventHealth Apopka and AdventHealth

ference date. We then spent

Parks & Resorts, Kendrick Law Group,

Winter Garden, discussed The Trust

the next several months waiting and

Regions Investment Solutions, FAIR-

Transformation, becoming intentional and

watching… hoping to present the event in

WINDS, Lake Nona, 100 Women Strong

mindful about earning, cultivating, repair-

person in the fall. We even had tentatively

and Victory Cup.

ing, and restoring trust by adjusting your

set a date of Friday, September 18. By July

We were fortunate that the majority of

perspective. Mayanne Downs, Shareholder

we realized it was not going to be possible

our sessions were still relevant in this new

and General Counsel for GrayRobinson,

— or safe — to do an in-person event but

normal with an overarching theme of Do

brought wit and wisdom to her keynote

we had received feedback that people still

More, Be More and Get More. And only

address. Fan favorite, stylist Melanie Pace

wanted the conversations to happen.

one of our more than 50 speakers could

and The Mall at Millenia gave a glimpse at

So, how did we take the event from in

not participate on the new date. Modera-

the world of virtual wardrobe styling with

person to virtual in just two months’ time?

tors and panelists led dynamic conversa-

five easy steps to making us look and feel

First, we could not have pulled this off

tions on topics such as letting it go, saying

good. And the day wrapped with a live dis-

without the continued support from our

no, maximizing rewards, tapping talents,

cussion with Orange Appeal’s 2020 Wom-

sponsors — all of whom stayed committed.

defining our more, making a community

en of the Year — Stephanie Darden Ben-

So we extend special thanks to AdventHealth

impact, intentional planning, and diversity,

nett,

for Women, Bank of America and Merrill

inclusion and equity.

Whitney Laney, Suneera Madhani, Maritza

Marci

Doyle,

Rosene

Johnson,

Senior Financial Advisor Suzanne Magee

Our keynote addresses were a mixture

Martinez-Guerro and Dr. Romie Mushtaq

Fleming, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort,

of live and pre-recorded messages with 100

— as they updated participants on what

Nemours Children’s Health System, The

Women Strong Co-Chairs Lauren Chianese

they’ve been up to and where they are

Mall at Millenia, Jill S. Schwartz and

and Renuka Sastri kicking the day off

headed.

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thelist Laurie Turner, Wendy Tramell and Christi

on the virtual platform, without the distractions of the physical event, and everyone could experience breakouts through the recordings sent out post-conference. At the end of the day, we learned that if you provide relevant, relatable content and conversations, people will tune in… and appreciate all efforts. The feedback was incredible and humbling: “This was such a great virtual event. I made great connections and left feeling

Kate and Christi with Audrey Ann

very inspired.” – Jo Newell, Orlando Regional Chamber “Today was such an inspiring and enjoyable experience. You assembled a team of truly amazing and talented women that we are all so lucky to have in our great city. Thank you for facilitating the event under such unique circumstances!” – Nicole Ertel, Tavistock “I didn’t even realize how much I needed this conference. It was so great to see so many fierce women that I haven’t been able to see during the pandemic. And hon-

To keep participants engaged in between

the capabilities to pull this off ourselves, so

estly, the technical issues reminded me

sessions, we asked local health experts to

we enlisted the services of AVmedia Inc.

what a supportive group the women of

provide 5-minute videos to be shared

The week of the event we were trouble-

Orlando are (and I think this is unique).

throughout the day as Mindful Breaks.

shooting Zoom limitations for our break-

Everyone was so supportive and didn’t

The Mindful Breaks provided powerful

out sessions and did not realize how long it

mind the issues. I think this is a powerful

mental health messages, breathing tech-

would take the team to manually move

testament to the community of female

niques, and even stretching exercises. We

each attendee — we had 343 unique logins

leaders you have helped to create with

also shared sponsor shoutouts, messages

— into the appropriate breakout room

Orange Appeal.” – Heather Fagan, City of

and giveaways.

until they were actually doing it in real

Orlando

We adjusted our overall schedule and

time.

planned for shorter, more dynamic pre-

We were able to make some adjust-

sentations to combat screen fatigue and

ments to the schedule on the fly that day to

encouraged participants to connect in the

get back on track. Let’s just say, we were

chat rooms since there was no live net-

sweating behind the scenes, but again,

working or socializing.

everyone was understanding and support-

While the day was not without some

ive. And as usual it was a family affair

technical glitches, we realized the commu-

with Christi’s sisters, Wendy Tramell and

nity of women who tuned in were support-

Laurie Turner, monitoring breakout ses-

ive and understanding. The conference is

sions and chat rooms, answering emails

all about empowering and nurturing

and troubleshooting. And baby Audrey

women leaders and we felt that firsthand

Ann Slentz made her debut at the end of

throughout the day.

the conference.

Relatively new to Zoom and the world of

What we found is that people were

web conferencing, we knew we did not have

even more engaged in the conversations

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See you in fall 2021 for the 11th Annual Orlando Women’s Conference!

thelist WOMEN to WATCH

3 Local Authors Share Personal Perspectives Secily Wilson Secily is the founder of WOW Legacy Group, a growing Central Florida nonprofit with a mission to empower, educate, encourage and inspire women facing life adversity. Her philanthropic work is done through the organization’s Fall into Fabulous empowerment program. She’s also a Telly Award winning broadcast journalist, media communications professional, and Mrs. Florida International 1999. Secily says her greatest role is being Mommy to her daughters, Chrissy and Nicole. She’s even more proud of her newest title — Gina to her granddaughter, Amari Elizabeth. An active member of the greater Orlando community, Secily volunteers with a variety of organizations throughout the region, including passionate interests for stroke awareness and curbing domestic violence.

P-word Posse is growing stronger with the support of our Florida four-city book tour powered by Ford Motor Company.

How can we get a copy? You can get your copy of She Said The P Word on Amazon or for an autographed copy, on my website: thesecilywilson.com.

Two strokes didn’t stop her. Divorce didn’t derail her. She lost her job and found her passion. She is a woman who overcomes through sheer willpower, and she continues to thrive. Secily leads powerfully using her voice to inspire and influence through her book.

Why did you decide to write the book?

Passion, Prayer and Purpose. I wanted to

My book had a permanent spot on the “I

share my deeply personal story, with the

should write a book” shelf for years. Con-

hopes it would be a survival guide for oth-

stant urges from friends and family would

ers who read it and are able to relate or see

encourage me to put pen to paper and

themselves in pages of my book.

write the book. Two of my girlfriends, active approaches to help me get started.

What was the timeline from when you started to it being published?

Unfortunately, I let the fear of starting

When I spoke to my publisher for the

stop me. In January 2020, the final push

first time in January 2020, she mentioned

from another girlfriend lit the match that

I could finish the book by July of the same

started the fire to my writing.

year if I focused. That was a lightbulb

both in different locations and times, took

moment for me because July is my birth

How did you come up with the title and concept?

month and I was turning 55 years old.

The title, She Said the P Word, is lightly

driving force. In the middle of the ulti-

inspired by my appearance on the game

mate P-word, Pandemic, I completed the

show Family Feud with host Steve Harvey.

book before my deadline on June 30.

I went viral for saying the P-word on

That became my internal deadline and

national television. You can Google it to

What has been the feedback?

hear what I said. I later realized my life

The book debuted August 18 as an Ama-

was riddled with “P” words that didn’t go

zon New Release Best Seller. The response

viral on YouTube. Words like Pain, Pivot,

has been overwhelmingly positive. The

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Secily Says: Say the P Word Life is not Perfect! Sometimes you have to laugh to stop from crying. Take a daily dose of laughter. Laugh out loud. Laugh until it hurts. Laugh like nobody’s watching. At the end of the day, laughter may be the only thing that stops you from crying, and it is truly the best medicine! When adversity arrives, you can always say the “P” words — any of them will get you through. Fear can Push you into your Passion and Purpose. Pain is a part of the Process. Don’t avoid it. Make a Plan and stick to it. Surround yourself with a Posse who supports you and will hold you accountable. Stay true to your Principles and do not compromise. Pursue, Persist and Persevere, and most importantly, Pray. His Promises are never broken.

thelist WOMEN to WATCH Christine Rizzo Christine grew up in New York on Long Island but is now a resident of Central Florida. She is a Certified Mindset Coach. She absolutely loves her career because she gets to help women feel amazing by teaching them how to live the lives they desire by unleashing their power and creating confidence to get what they deserve in life. Christine realized that she wanted to become a Life Coach when she was going through her divorce. She knew she always wanted to do something that would make a difference in other women’s lives.

Why did you decide to write the book?

the book to being published was the edit-

I wrote this book because I want to help

ing, layout design and cover design.

empower other women by helping them realize that they are in control of their

What has been the feedback?

own lives and that they can truly have

It has been really amazing! I couldn’t feel

whatever they want out of life. They just

more grateful from the feedback that I have

have to learn how to apply the concept to

received from both family and friends, as

their life, and that is what I do, I teach

well as from the reviews off of Amazon.

them how. My book is a how-to guide on learning to create the life they have always

How can we get a copy?

wanted, a life they deserve.

You can order the paperback, the audio-

How did you come up with the title and concept?

off of my website: christinerizzo.com.

book and the e-book on Amazon. The paper-

You can also find the audiobook at

back and e-book are available at Barnes &

Audible and at the Apple Store or through

Noble or you can order the paperback only

your Apple phone under books.

The title Unleash Your Inner Goddess — Start Living the Life You Deserve was really an easy title for me. As a Certified Mindset Coach, the concept that I teach in my book is exactly what I coach my clients on. Of course, I get much more detailed in my coaching program. We all have an inner goddess in us, our inner goddess is our intuition, and it’s about learning to listen to her, so you can move forward in creating the life you have always dreamed of. “Start Living the Life You Deserve” is my tagline from my website and my coaching program.

What was the timeline from when you started to it being published? I wrote the book in five weeks while we were in quarantine during COVID-19. I started in April and published in September. The whole process was five months. The four months in between from writing

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It’s You, You and Only You We aren’t here to depend on others to create our happiness. That comes from you. That comes from within. No one else. You are the only one that will ever be able to create your own happiness, because you are the only one that knows how to do that. Not your husband, not your wife, not your significant other, not your children, not even your best friend (well, unless there is a bottle of wine involved). No one will ever be able to know how to make you happy. Come on, half the time, you don’t even know how to create your own happiness, so how the fu*k do you expect anyone else to know??? Mmmmhmmmm, that’s what I thought. Life is about trying to learn how to create our own happiness. Sure, this shit ain’t easy, which is why we expect others to create our happiness for us. We expect others to make us happy. Now that makes me laugh! Learn to make yourself happy, ‘cause no one else is going to. Your expectations have been getting in the way and they always will, until you drop that shit and start making yourself happy. Love the one you’re with... as in “Yourself.” It’s you, you and only YOU. Life is like a game— it’s all about lessons,figuring out what makes us happy and learning to create that for ourselves. We all deserve to have whatever we want in life; we just need to figure out how to create it. The Universe wants us to be happy, the Universe wants us to live abundantly, we just have to learn how. And this means having the right mindset to go out, search for it, find it, and make it happen.

thelist WOMEN to WATCH Melissa Wiggins Melissa’s career started as a solicitor in Edinburgh, Scotland. When her firstborn son was diagnosed with stage IV cancer while she was about to give birth to twins, her full-time calling for the next three years became saving her son’s life. In that time, Melissa and her husband Michael founded Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation, a cancer research nonprofit. Melissa has spoken on stages across the globe from keynoting at Glasgow Children’s Hospital to the AT&T stadium in San Francisco and the private home of Dick Vitale, ESPN broadcaster. Her journey battling pediatric cancer and advocating for her son led her to write her first book, Thankful For the Fight. In November 2019, Melissa and Michael completed their family with the adoption of their fifth child, 2-year-old Charlie. Melissa knows that to live your truth, you must first find your voice. Her roar saved her son, changed her marriage and transformed her life. Today, she is passionate about sharing this message and helping women around the world. While not published yet, her book is highly anticipated by her many social media followers and long-time supporters.

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Why did you decide to write the book? This is my second book — my first book Thankful For The Fight was about my son’s battle with cancer. That book and season of life helped me to let go of the cozy blanket of other people’s opinions and find my own voice.

How long has the writing process taken? Any updates on the publishing process? I am two years in with one more to go, minimum. My goal is to have the final manuscript by the end of 2021. Keep up to date with Melissa on her Instagram @MummaBearWiggins_ where she hosts A Cup of Tea with Mummabear live every Wednesday at 1pm. Melissa shares: We wrap ourselves up at night in the cozy blanket of other people’s opinions meanwhile our souls are slowly dying.

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THE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART IMMERSES VISITORS IN A NEW SENSORY-RICH EXHIBITION

Singing in the Rain, photo with the artist, JEFRË, courtesy of Orlando Museum of Art

by Karen LeBlanc

THE LATEST EXHIBIT AT THE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART TURNS THE PATRON INTO A PARTICIPANT. JEFRË: POINTS OF CONNECTION IMMERSES VISITORS IN A SENSORY-RICH EXPERIENCE OF LARGE-SCALE ART INSTALLATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA WORKS FROM THE ARTIST JEFRË.

SOUNDSCAPES BY GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST AYO, THE PRODUCER, unconventional materials, and large-scale sculptures take visitors on a journey that begins with JEFRË’s heritage as a Filipino-American. Rice Field 2020, made from 10,000 pounds of brown and white rice arranged in 13 undulating bands, represents Medicine Library, 2020 Empty Prescription Bottles

the immigrant journey across the ocean, searching for a better life in the United States. “My first solo exhibition is about creating a series of rooms that bring the user into my experience of what it means to be an immigrant, my struggle with heart disease, and my artistic journey,” JEFRË explains. The artist has built an international career as a city placemaker activating public spaces through art. JEFRË’s signature work, The BÄKS Series, located in the museum’s largest hall, gives visitors a sense of the scale and scope of his public art installations with towering polished steel sculptures in fractal compositions. “As a public artist, most of my work is about creating site-specific work. I draw inspiration for The BÄKS Series from the emotions of cities and cultures I experience. I created these figural forms with different gestures that I’ve seen in other cities related to love, peace, joy, empowerment and respect. I did this series of box heads on them. I call ‘BÄKS,’ the phonetic spelling of box. These box head figures are replacements for building blocks or architectural buildings. If you align all these figures and emotions together, it’s what I consider a perfect city with all these different emotions to create a beautiful skyline,” JEFRË explains. JEFRË’s untitled work from The BÄKS Series is a polished steel polyhedron sculpture

FromTalking Heads (Collective Conscious Series/ COVID-19)

of a human form with a box head taking a knee; an arm thrust out in solidarity. The piece invites visitors to leave their comments about the work and projects them on a wall behind the sculpture. “I wanted to create a participation piece. A lot of my work is about getting people to be a part of the process. I may not name this sculpture because this is a position that is hard to define,” JEFRË’ says. At the end of the exhibit, visitor responses will go into an exhibition catalog. ONE Love, (BÄKS Series) 2020 projects visitors’ eyes onto its cube head attached to two moss-covered figures sitting back to back, each in a different love pose. Business mogul

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thelist Richard Branson commissioned the 15-foot sculpture for VirginFest, a music festival canceled in June. The piece is on loan for the exhibit. “Before COVID, I was creating this sculpture to project the eyes, nose and mouth on different sides of the head. Now that we all have to wear masks, we only look into the eyes of each other. We are all smiling internally, but we have to figure out how to smile with our eyes,” JEFRË explains. Throughout the exhibition, JEFRË lays bare his vulnerability in works such as Medicine Library, 2020 Empty Prescription Bottles, a visual chronicle of 57,000 pills he has taken over the last 10 years in his struggle with heart disease. JEFRË: Points of Connection is a conversation starter and a bridge builder with immersive works that challenge you to be fully present. It’s a rare opportunity to experience art of this caliber right here in Orlando. The exhibit is open through January 3, 2021 and a limited number of tickets will be available for on-site purchase each day. For more information, go to omart.org

(On Contents, page 2: One Love, from the BÄKS Series)

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One from the BÄKS Series: What Does It Mean to Take a Knee?

beautybody&spirit twinkle tips & toes These festive and fun shades are sure to brighten your outlook. (top) Essie Concrete Glitters Collection in A Cut Above; Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Harmony; OPI Holiday 2020 Shine Bright Collection, Infinite Shine 2 long-lasting nail polish in Gingerbread Man Can; ZOYA nail polish in New Olivera. (middle) Smith & Cult Glitter Color nail polish in A Little Lovely; Essie Concrete Glitters Collection in Night Owl. (bottom) OPI Infinite Shine 2 long-lasting nail polish in Nessie Plays Hide & Sea-k; Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Chaine dâ€™Or; Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish in Spice Age.

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beautybody&spirit

WANT TO LOOK REFRESHED AND RADIANT? WE ASKED LOCAL EXPERTS FOR SOME GO-TO TREATMENTS.

Tighter, Lifted Skin With Virtue RF Microneedling Dr. D. Scott Rotatori’s practice has recently added Virtue RF, the next generation of microneedling that can improve fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin texture, and tone and minimize pores with minimal downtime and little to no pain. The microneedles create microscopic channels deep within the dermis to stimulate the natural production of collagen, and deliver radio-frequency heat energy at the desired depths to promote remodeling of collagen and elastin that tightens and lifts the skin. A benefit of RF microneedling is that the collagen you build is your own so results are natural, immediate and will continue to improve with time. It can take up to four to six weeks until the full benefits are apparent. Another benefit is that there is no social downtime. The skin may appear red for a few hours but the exclusive post-care regimen works to soothe the skin so most will only notice a post-treatment tightening and glow to their skin. The length of a treatment depends on the area being treated and the protocol being followed. Typically, a full-face treatment will take an hour and 20 minutes. “Virtue RF is a truly ageless procedure. It is used as a preventative and a corrective treatment for patients with light to dark skin types. It can be used to tighten and tone skin on the face, neck, décolleté, hands and body,” Dr. Rotatori says. “We recommend a series of three to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. To maintain results, a treatment every six months is recommended.”

D. SCOTT ROTATORI, M.D. 800 W. Morse Blvd. #5, Winter Park 32789 | 407-628-5476 | scottrotatori.com

Improved Skin Tone & Texture With BBL IPL Professionals from recently-opened Primp Medi Spa recommend the Broad Band Light (BBL) Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacial that uses gentle pulses of light to help treat pigment concerns such as sun damage, age spots, spider veins and redness due to rosacea. The powerful BBL uses a broad range of wavelengths to treat these skin conditions. With little recovery time, it’s a fairly easy way to more radiant skin.

PRIMP MEDI SPA 2501 Howell Branch Rd., Suite 1001 | Casselberry 32707 | 407-960-2177 | primpmed.com

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Treatments To Help Get You Glowing

The skincare experts at Reflections Dermatology recommend several options for brightening up this season.

The Ultimate Reflection Facial This facial is offered exclusively at Reflections Dermatology and is fully customized to meet the unique needs of each client. It includes deep pore cleansing, dermaplaning, steaming, extractions and facial massage, followed by a nourishing mask of rejuvenating serums enriched with growth factors, antioxidants and collagen-stimulating peptides. Also includes your choice of one of the following: diamond-tip microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, an enzymatic peel, micro current, or an intensive eye and lip treatment.

Age-Less Oxylight Facial For skin that looks toned and refreshed, this is the facial for you. This facial combines oxygen and light therapies for facial rejuvenation with micro-current to tighten the skin and its underlying muscles. Anti-aging peptides and botanical serums enriched with growth factors are used to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and provide vital

Packages for Pampering Sparkle and shine this holiday season at YMD Eye & Face with the dermaplaning and hydrafacial package. Dermaplaning removes dead cells and peach fuzz from your skin’s surface making for the perfect procedure to set up your skin before the next step. The hydrafacial deeply cleans and exfoliates your complexion, giving your skin that natural beautiful glow. Call to book your appointment as spaces are limited.

YMD EYE & FACE 328 W. Morse Blvd. Winter Park 32789 407-960-1000 | yeildingmd.com

nutrients to the skin, leaving it looking younger, tighter, and more radiant.

Totally Teen Facial Teen facials are a great way to blitz the zits and help your teen understand the importance of good skincare habits. This medical-grade facial is specially designed to address teenage skin and the acne that often comes from wearing masks. Includes deep pore cleansing, steaming and extractions as well as recommendations and education on the use of appropriate skincare products.

Chemical Peels Does your skin look like it’s lost its luster? If so, revive it with a series of chemical peels. Peels chemically exfoliate and remove the dry and often damaged outer layer of the skin to reveal a healthy glow below. They are perfect for improving and smoothing the skin and for breathing life back into a dull complexion.

Two female beauty entrepreneurs, Dr.

Morpheus Makeover

Ruth Hill Yeilding of YMD Eye & Face

Jump-start your complexion with this new and innovative treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency to tighten the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. Treatments take less than an hour with results you can see right away.

and Revi Rofé of Privé Salon & Spa, have joined forces to create a perfect day for pre-holiday pampering. Enjoy Botox, blowouts, brows and bub-

Gentleman’s Urban Facial

bly on Friday, November 20, from 11am to

Great skin is important to men too. This facial helps soothe sun damaged and razor burned

5pm. Discounts will be offered for that day

skin. It includes deep cleansing and exfoliation followed by an aromatic steaming of the

at the Privé Winter Park location. Call to

pores to relieve congestion. Hydrating peptide-enriched serums are then massaged deep

book your appointment as spaces are lim-

into the dermis to replenish moisture and improve circulation.

ited.

REFLECTIONS DERMATOLOGY

PRIVÉ SALON & SPA

Baldwin Park | 875 Outer Road 32814 | 407-895-8818

155 E. New England Ave., #102

Winter Park | 440 W. Morse Blvd. 32789 | 407-895-8818

Winter Park 32789

reflectionsdermatology.com

407-355-9229 | privesalonorlando.com

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beautybody&spirit

Ho Ho… Oh No! The most wonderful time of the year can prompt joy, but it may evoke stress as well. While this season is often associated with splendid sentiments of love and happiness, for many, unpleasant feelings may be sparked. From Thanksgiving preparations until we ring in the New Year, self-care is essential to protect your mental wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you when facing the stressors of the season.

by Shainna Ali,

PhD, LMHC, NCC

Make time for you

your true self. For example, if a core value

break from conversation or finding an

During the holiday season it’s common to

of yours is humility, it might be incongru-

outlet for your feelings such as writing,

experience a surge in activities on your

ent to compare your neighbor’s new faux

creating or exercising.

social calendar. Quite simply, it’s hard to

tree with your 14-foot evergreen. In the

practice self-care without the time. Some

time of COVID-19, many may have to

Create healthy boundaries

strategies (i.e., breathing techniques) can be

make disheartening alterations to their

Boundaries are essential for our mental

practiced while out and about, but self-care

typical traditions. While this may be dis-

well-being. During the holidays, it can be

commonly necessitates a calmer, quieter

appointing, remaining aligned with your

helpful to establish and honor your limita-

environment. While some people may be

reason for the season may help inspire you

tions with yourself. If you cannot respect

fueled by the increased engagement dur-

to creatively adapt your customs to sup-

your own boundaries, you have paved an

ing the holidays, if you lean more toward

port a happy, healthy holiday season.

easy path for others to step over your

introversion, intentionally blocking time

parameters as well. Even if you have

butterfly, taking time for yourself is impor-

Build your emotional intelligence

tant to moderate the need for external

Society typically frowns upon being con-

coronavirus pandemic, your boundaries

validation. Reflect on your preferences

nected to your emotions. People who are

may look different than in years past. For

and try to schedule yourself in, even if the

sensitive often feel weak and vulnerable.

example, you may recognize that while

time available seems short. An hour to

However, attuning your emotional aware-

the usual day-long celebration with loved

decompress, a half an hour to exercise, 15

ness is helpful in being able to discern

ones gathered from across the country

minutes to journal, 5 minutes to tune into

your needs and regulate accordingly. It’s

under one roof was your favorite time of

your breath, and even one minute of grati-

common to feel overwhelmed by the energy

the year, it comes with a different risk in

tude practice can do wonders.

of the holidays. When you recognize this

2020. Taking time to proactively consider

feeling, you may be tempted to sweep it

what you are comfortable with will allow

under the rug. But it doesn’t go anywhere,

you the flexibility to share with others, lis-

The commercialization of the holidays

in fact it may actually grow, and could

ten to their boundaries, and collaborate on

paired with the highlight reels of social

eventually overpower you. On the other

a way to respect one another’s wishes.

media provide the perfect formula for

hand, being able to tune into your feelings

competition. Take time to align with your

allows you to use your emotions as signals.

Focus on the present

values and recognize what is important to

Noticing when you begin to feel over-

The holidays can be a time that we reflect

you. If you reflect on this at the beginning

whelmed can help you to recognize that

on the past, including thoughts of the year

of the season, you can check from time to

you can cope to bring yourself back to

behind us, the traditions that have evolved,

time to make sure you are aligning with

equilibrium. Perhaps this means taking a

the relationships that ended, and the lives

for yourself is essential. Even for the social

Be true to yourself

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established your personal boundaries to date, since this season overlaps with the

beautybody&spirit improve bonding and can spark warmth

that we have lost. It can also be a time that

one who might need help, but it’s impor-

prompts worry and fear, from concerns

tant to note that sincere change cannot be

about being in the presence of toxic people

forced. Educate yourself on the potential

or what is to come in the year ahead. We

concern, learn warning signs, acquire

cannot time travel to the past or future.

local resources, and above all provide com-

Instead of revisiting the past or obsessing

passion and support in a way that honors

about the future, give yourself the present

your loved one’s autonomy.

As you prepare for the new year (and new

aside and immerse in the moment as the

Practice gratitude

are obstacles to your mental wellness that

best version of yourself.

Gratitude is a gift that can help us broaden

of the present. Take time to set technology

Don’t force change

our perspective. It’s an excellent coping skill because it can be practiced at any

During the holidays you may see loved

time and it doesn’t cost a dime. Thankful-

ones more often than in months prior.

ness is a gift that you can give yourself, but

For some, this warmth and connection

you may also choose to share your grati-

align well with self-care, but for others,

tude with others as well. Especially in this

seeing others’ journeys can serve as a dis-

pandemic, you may find it easy to enumer-

traction. Self-care does not mean that you

ate your woes. If you catch yourself falling

must isolate yourself from your loved

into negativity, try to reflect on all that you

ones, but it’s important to recognize

are grateful for, not to minimize your

when you prioritize someone else’s well-

struggles, but to help you see what your

ness more than they prioritize their own.

struggles may be overshadowing. Choos-

There are ways that you can help a loved

ing to share gratitude with others can

in your holiday gatherings.

Consider closure With the end of the year near, you may find yourself evaluating the months prior. decade) ahead you might realize that there you have been carrying that you no longer wish to hold. Perhaps this is a conflict with a once-close loved one or an unhealthy habit you wish to cease. If you are ready and able, this is a great time to practice letting go and forgiveness. If your hopes are high, but you believe you are lacking the ability to address this concern, it may be helpful to consider seeking assistance from a trained mental health professional to help you achieve closure in the future.

Commit to growth Since the holiday season is often a time for self-reflection, it is also a suitable time for self-exploration as you acknowledge the fresh year ahead. How have you made use of your strengths? How have you worked on your personal growth journey? What have you learned that you wish to carry with you into 2021? Take time to embrace imperfection. Accept that no one is perfect; however, remember that we all have the potential to grow. Instead of shaming yourself for the resolutions you abandoned in February, make note of all that went well and use the remaining gaps to empower yourself to set self-loving goals for 2020. RESOURCES: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish; 800-273-8255; Mental Health Association of Central Florida; mhacf.org; (407) 898-0110

Shainna Ali, PhD, LMHC, NCC, is a licensed mental health counselor, a nationally certified counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor and is the owner of Integrated Counseling Solutions. Beyond credentials she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and dog mom who actively strives for mental health growth and balance. DrShainna.com 42

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beautybody&spirit

High-Energy Blue Light: A New Medical Risk? by Deborah Harding, MD, and

Victor Harding, MD, Harding Medical Institute

ver the past few years, we

tissues. Because blue light does not have

estrogen and progesterone levels in women.

have become increasingly

enough energy to penetrate very far into

There are many causes for these declines,

interested in the biologic

the tissues, the tissues most at risk are

but overall a major factor is probably the

effects of light, both posi-

those that the light hits directly, specifi-

changes in nighttime exposure to blue

tive and negative depend-

cally skin and the eyes.

light and circadian rhythms. Low sex hor-

ing on exposure time and usage. In a pre-

Despite its possible dangers, blue light

mone levels affect more things than just

vious article we wrote about how red light

plays an absolutely critical part of almost

sexual function. In particular, life expec-

can cause fat cells to “dump” their fat.

every animal’s biological makeup. Blue

tancies usually decrease when people

Now we turn our attention to blue light,

light at a wavelength of about 450 nano-

have low hormone levels. They play a role

part of the visible light section of the elec-

meters controls circadian rhythms. When

in good physical health as well, and their

tromagnetic spectrum, which human eyes

that wavelength light hits the retina, bio-

decreases are strongly related to the aging

can see. Most of us are familiar with ultra-

chemical effects take place, melatonin lev-

processes that occur after people reach

violet light that is invisible to humans and

els are altered, and eventually this causes

middle-age.

has a wavelength just below the spectrum

the circadian rhythm to change, adjusting

In the past several decades we’ve seen a

of visible light. In general, the lower the

or weakening our 24-hour clock. Good

tremendous increase in the use of LED

wavelength, the higher the energy. Ultra-

sleep depends on having a good circadian

lights, particularly in computers, televi-

violet light from the sun has enough ener-

rhythm. The system evolved based on sun-

sions and smart phones. Many people are

gy to cause skin damage and certain can-

light and natural light. When people use

installing LED lights in their homes and

cers such as melanomas. X-rays, also

their computers at night or have blue lights

businesses to cut the cost of electricity and

invisible to the human eye, are even lower

on, the circadian rhythm becomes disrupted.

have reliable lighting. Unfortunately, many

in the spectrum, and as a result, they are

The production of many hormones,

of these lights emit higher amounts of

even more dangerous because of their

especially testosterone and growth hor-

high-energy blue light compared to natural

increased energy. Red and yellow lights

mone, is largely affected by good sleep.

light. We are likely getting far more expo-

have increased wavelengths and less energy.

Most of the proper production of hormones

sure to this light, particularly at night.

Just like X-rays, but in a much smaller

occurs during sleep. Over the last 50 years

What happens to the eyes? Certain pig-

fashion, extended exposure to high-energy

we’ve seen very significant declines in

ments of the eye when exposed to bright

blue light can cause damage to sensitive

overall testosterone levels in men, and

lights are “bleached out” momentarily, and

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beautybody&spirit it is hard to see. Most of us have experi-

tissues tend to be injured. People who live

treating seasonal depression, known as

enced looking out at bright daylight from a

longer may have more chronic exposure

seasonal affective disorders (SAD).

darkened room and finding that it is hard

and more damage. Similar to how too

To combat exposure to high-energy

to see for a few moments. In cases of look-

much exposure from repeated X-rays may

blue light, some companies are now sell-

ing at bright light, if the exposure is not too

be dangerous, too much cumulative expo-

ing filters, which are worn like sunglasses.

prolonged or too bright, eyes will recover

sure to high-energy blue light over a very

These products are relatively inexpensive

after a few seconds or minutes. Think of

long time can also be dangerous.

and can be ordered online. Of course, dif-

the dots that you get sometimes when a

If we combine this with the damaging

ferent levels of quality may exist, just like

flash camera goes off and youâ€™re left with a

effects of having both bright and dark

in sunglasses. We also suggest listening to

spot for a few seconds. People who looked

areas at the same time in our vision when

music to fall asleep instead of watching

at nuclear blasts often reported that their

we look at a small bright object such as a

television or looking at your phone.

vision recovered after a few minutes or

smart phone in a dark room, the problem

hours. However, permanent blindness

is likely aggravated.

The key takeaway is to reduce your exposure to high-energy blue light at

occurred for those who looked too long or

Conversely, blue light used in the right

night to not disrupt your circadian rhythm,

were too close. People who look at a solar

fashion has many medical advantages.

which is critical for proper sleep and hor-

eclipse without proper filtering have simi-

Treatment centers are springing up for

mone production.

lar damage.

treating circadian rhythm problems. Also,

When the eye gets too much high-energy

patients can have treatments for skin con-

Dr. Deborah Harding is board certified in

light, particularly if it is strong light that is

ditions such as psoriasis, acne, allergic

internal, sleep disorder and anti-aging

prolonged or frequent for months and

dermatitis, wound healing, and various

medicine. The Harding Medical Institute

years, the eye does not properly recover,

other skin ailments. There is extensive

is located in MetroWest. Learn more at

and the retina is damaged because the fine

research showing blue light may help in

hardingmedicalinstitute.com.

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WOMEN WHO INSPIRE – AN ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES

Brea Weiss: A Heart for Philanthropy For Brea Weiss, philanthropy is a way of life that started in her heart.

She has been the board chair of AdventHealth for Children for four years and has served on the board for more than a decade. She was previously a development director for the Florida Hospital Foundation where she honed her skills in building relationships and securing philanthropic gifts.

“

y entry into the world

several introductions for her around town

Pavilion at AdventHeath for Children in

of philanthropy start-

over the years and one of those was with

its own beautiful building with multiple

ed when I worked for

Florida Hospital Foundation, where she

floors for children and nationally-ranked

FAO Schwartz han-

began working in her mid-20s.

programs. I am incredibly proud of the

dling events and per-

She initially started with Florida Hos-

work the team does every day and how

sonal shopping. We got a request from

pital Cancer Institute, where she flour-

much it has grown and continues to grow.

Make-A-Wish for a wish child. The little

ished, and then moved onto children’s

The Walt Disney Pavilion is celebrating its

boy’s name was Christopher, and his wish

health. “At that time they were reinvent-

10th year, and we are hitting milestones

was a shopping spree. The general man-

ing the children’s hospital which was just

that most children’s hospitals hit after 20

ager asked if I would spend the day with

two small units within the main hospital

years. That is due to an excellent team

him and his family, and I said absolutely. I

building. They wanted to make it have far

with a genuine love and care for children,”

was told he was 8 and that he had cancer.

more of a presence and far more mission-

she continues.

What they didn’t tell share was that he

centric. They brought new leaders in, and

had a brain tumor that was so severe it had taken his sight. How do you shop with a child who can’t see? So I engaged our characters, the Toy Soldier and Raggedy Ann, and we pulled all the big stuffed animals out on the floor, rolled around on

Even though Brea serves in a voluntary role, she is still seeking major gifts to sup-

“

port the hospital’s mission. “It’s engrained

I am trying to figure out what

in me. It has changed a bit as of late due to COVID-19. I am a face-to-face person and

the go-forward plan looks like, but I would say I will always be a

I love to show what the hospital does by actually taking someone there. I am try-

them, and then played the big piano on the

fundraiser at heart. It’s just what

floor — anything that made noise or was

I know how to do, and if I can’t be

looks like, but I would say I will always be

tactile. We laughed all day together while

the doctor or the nurse personally

a fundraiser at heart. It’s just what I know

his dad videotaped and his mom cried. I got a thank you card not long after letting

taking care of the child, I can raise

me know Christopher had passed,” Brea

the money to support those who

explains.

are doing that important work.

Shortly after that experience Brea met

”

community activist and philanthropist

ing to figure out what the go-forward plan

how to do, and if I can’t be the doctor or the nurse personally taking care of the child, I can raise the money to support those who are doing that important work,” she says. Pre-COVID, Brea was in the hospital two to three days a week when she was in

Dick Batchelor who was hosting his annual

soon we we engaged Disney, who gave us a

town visiting with the team, meeting with

Run for the Children. “He asked me, ‘Why

leadership gift to name our children’s hos-

the doctors, and visiting with the families.

aren’t you using your powers for good?’ I

pital. They challenged us to ‘dream big-

“My husband has told me for many years,

asked him what he meant, and he said

ger.’ That’s one of those phrases that will

‘you manage by walking around.’ So I

‘philanthropy.’ I was 22 at the time, and I

always stick with me,” she adds.

think being present and being a part of the

had to go look it up,” she says. Dick made

“This would become the Walt Disney

team is important to helping get things november | december 2020

beautybody&spirit done. It’s especially important with our oncology patients where many of them have been with us for years. It’s important for me to know who they are and who their families are,” she explains. Indeed Brea lives the hospital’s guiding premise of caring for all of God’s children.

AdventHealth for Children’s Day of Giving – December 16 AdventHealth for Children’s Day of Giving is all about providing families of hospitalized kids the urgent help they need to keep going. Every dollar pledged covers services that are not paid for by insurance but are essential to supporting local children and families in the hospital. Funds raised will provide assistance with household bills and other expenses so parents’ can stay by their child’s bedside. You can donate now at Give4KidsToday.com.

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WHAT IS A WOMEN’S HEALTH NAVIGATOR? A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse whose job is to make life easier for each and every woman through expert clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. All calls are confidenJanelle Grall, tial; anyone can self-refer; and insurance is Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN BSN, RN, CPN not required to talk or meet. AdventHealth for Women’s health navigators provide complimentary services that help you coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. These services include:

• Finding a care provider • Answering your health care questions • Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings • Resources and support for you and your family • Coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities To contact the Health Navigation Team, call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator.com

november | december 2020

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november | december 2020

tastes&experiences crisp & comforting Santiago’s Bodega — with locations in Orlando, Altamonte Springs and Key West — founder and operator Jason Dugan knew he wanted to create an atmosphere with a welcoming staff and a tapas-style dining experience that would give guests the opportunity to taste a wide variety of dishes. The miniature quesadillas, a comfort-food fave, includes more than the expected flavors with cheddar jack cheese, peach pineapple salsa, mango and cilantro with a crispy cheese crust. santiagosbodega.com

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tastes&experiences

KNIFE & SPOON:

GREAT EXPECTATIONS MET by Christi Ashby

ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST ANTICIPATED RESTAURANT OPENINGS, KNIFE & SPOON BRINGS TOGETHER THE TALENTS OF AWARD-WINNING AND WELL-KNOWN CHEF JOHN TESAR (KNIFE AT THE HIGHLAND DALLAS, TOP CHEF ALUM AND FOUR-TIME JAMES BEARD AWARD SEMIFINALIST) WITH CHEF DE CUISINE GERALD SOMBRIGHT (A TOP CHEF ALUM AND OPENING CHEF OF PB&G AT THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO). BETWEEN THAT ESTEEMED DUO AND THE REPUTATION OF THE RITZ-CARLTON EXPECTATIONS ARE NATURALLY QUITE HIGH. A more informal setting, an expanded

because there was only one subject to

bar area and open, fresh-hued dining

Guests can choose from an array of dif-

room are just a few of the updates to the

ferent cuts ranging from bone-in ribeye to

space in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando formerly

New York strip — each pan-seared. But

occupied by the acclaimed Norman’s.

there are more than a few choices with

study. We returned just a few days after the official opening for the full dining experience.

Focusing on the knife first, the restau-

varying prices based on the size of the cut

rant’s signature dry-aged cuts of meat,

and length of aging — from the 44 Farms

ranging from 45-240 days aged are hand-

bone-in ribeye aged 45 days to the “one in

picked by Chef Tesar from 44 Farms, an

a lifetime” 240 days; Heart brand dry-aged

exclusive cattle producer. A few weeks

Akaushi bone-in ribeye aged from 45

before the official opening we were invited

days to 175 days; to the 44 Farms bone-in

to see the actual dry-aging process up close

New York strip aged from 45 to 132 days.

and taste the results from a variety of cuts.

The flavors and texture range from but-

It was one of the most enjoyable samplings

tery and nutty to earthiness and intense

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earthiness with sweet notes. It’s like choosing the perfect wine based on your mood and budget. For the spoon — referring to metal casting spoons used in fishing — portion of the menu the options range from items on ice, raw, lightly cooked to the whole fish from the oven. One of the more unusual offerings is the Pounded Big Eye Tuna served with a crisp baguette, foie gras torchon, ligurian olive oil, sea salt and chives. I chose a special fish dish not on the main menu. The Arctic char was perfectly prepared with crispy skin and firm yet flakey flesh. Other items that showcase Chef Tesar’s seasoned expertise include smoked sturgeon head cheese with dill cream and sturgeon roe; jumbo lump crab with gravy, crispy okra and Carolina gold rice; herb and garlic crusted rack of domestic lamb; in addition to an array of weekly specials. Desserts round out the menu and include orange Grand Marnier soufflé with passion fruit sorbet; white chocolate and vanilla mousse with lychee panna cotta and strawberry mint sorbet; and almond macaroon with fresh raspberry, diplomat cream and yuzu sorbet.

Knife & Spoon The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes 4012 Central Florida Pkwy. Orlando 32837 866-435-7627 grandelakes.com/dining/knife-and-spoon

For beverages, there is an extensive wine list featuring bottles from around the world and signature cocktails such as The Highland 2.0 with Roots Mastiha liqueur, Bored-o Rouge grape nectar and housemade ginger beer; Maitre’d Manhattan with tallow-washed high rye whiskey, Dolin Dry vermouth, Dolin Rouge sweet vermouth and truffle bitters; and Seared Citrus Old Fashioned with bourbon and seared orange liqueur. Expect impeccable service on your visit under the direction of General Manager Colin Burke — and you will not be disappointed. And don’t think this is just another celebrity chef experiment as Chef Tesar promises to be on-site quite often, dividing his time between Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, California, and Orlando. november | december 2020

tastes&experiences

Savvy Sipping at Beau Monde A beautiful world swirling with sophistication — a curated craft cocktail and wine list, comfortably chic seating, walls lined with provocative art, reverberating beats from the DJ and even a sensuous scent — has found a home in downtown Orlando. And even a pandemic could not stop the duo behind Beau Monde.

Amanda & Kameron Kaviani

Amanda and Kameron Kaviani bought

“For us, this was just giving Orlando

the property that includes the downstairs

something different. I think the nightlife

neighborhood Magnolia Bar in late Febru-

downtown doesn’t offer a lot for a certain

ary never anticipating what was to come

demographic. We wanted to serve good

— particularly for bar owners. But during

drinks, art that people can appreciate, and

the closures they were able to reimagine

an exclusive environment where no one is

an upstairs space used for storage into an

bumping into you or spilling a drink on

intimate nightclub reminiscent of ones

you. Here, if there’s not a seat for you, you

they had experienced in Europe and New

are not getting in,” she explains. Although

York City. The owners jokingly say he

the capacity is an intimate 55, she says

wanted a neighborhood bar and she want-

they probably will never have more than

ed something more elevated and elegant

40. And there is a dress code.

— and they both got what they wanted.

The drink selections are fairly exten-

Avid art collectors they wanted to com-

sive with a wine list including both new

bine their passions to create a place that’s

the art from a friend who typically does

and old-world vintages. Among the beau-

more like a lounge living room. It starts as

residential painting, says, “I told her I

tifully prepared cocktails are the Beau

you rise the stairs — the wall all the way

needed a fun stairwell. She came in and

Monde (Chandon, lavender and lemon

up is covered in a mural that includes the

made the vision come to life. We wanted

infused simple syrup and fresh lemon)

words beau monde in about 35 different

everyone to feel welcome here. So, when

and the popular Paloma (tequila, grape-

languages. Amanda, who commissioned

they come in, they can see their language

fruit juice, fresh lime juice and club soda).

represented. Beau monde means beautiful

There is a beer list, and bottle service is

world or beautiful people.”

also available. The small bites menu fea-

Internationally renowned artist Dain, who has collaborated with Mont Blanc

tures a charcuterie board, cheesecake and lava cake.

and Varvatos, created several large pieces

For now, Beau Monde is open Fridays

inside the venue filled with floral and fem-

and Saturdays from 8:30pm to 2am but it

inine themes. “We thought his art would

is also available for private events.

fit well with our vibe,” Amanda says. The

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largest piece over a tufted lounge sofa

Beau Monde Orlando

brings in Orlando with recognizable

13 S. Magnolia Ave., downtown Orlando

downtown buildings in the background.

beaumondeorlando.com

tastes&experiences

RUSSELL’S ON LAKE IVANHOE: AN APPETIZING AMBIANCE by Christi Ashby

I have never claimed to be a dining expert, cuisine critic or even a foodie. That being said, I do look at three things when eating out: consistently good service, an inviting ambiance, and an enjoyable meal. The food is last because if the first two make for an excellent experience, I can forgive an occasional less-than-perfect dish.

Chef Emmanuel

am elated to report all three of my

very pleased to find this beautiful, very

farm on the mainland U.S. But when they

criteria were more than met at the

unique spot on the lake. We are pretty

started producing pineapples in Puerto

newly-opened Russell’s on Lake Ivan-

familiar with the restaurant scene in

Rico and undercut his business, the pine-

hoe. For those — myself included — still

Orlando and felt like there was a place for

apple farm went down the tubes. Then an

mourning the closing of nearby Sette,

Russell’s. It’s casual fine dining — we

amusement park named Joyland, original-

this is a welcome addition to the Ivanhoe

want to have the highest level of food and

ly Russell’s Point, opened here. You could

neighborhood. My sister Wendy told me all

service in a relaxed atmosphere. [Chef]

just slide into the lake. The bathhouse sat

about it since she had been a few times, so

Emmanuel and I have worked all over the

right here,” Philippe continues while show-

we decided to visit together. The team

world together since the ’80s in some of

ing us the black and white photos on the

behind the concept clearly knows that the

the best restaurants in New York City,

walls depicting that era with a white sandy

lovely lakeside setting is not enough to

Paris and London,” he says.

beach. The renovated interior reflects the

attract and keep patrons. And they have

As for the site’s history, “When we

upscale menu with the former porch area

incorporated some local lore, starting with

bought this we started looking into it and

now closed in but with large pivoting win-

the name and pineapple symbol used

found there was a man, George Russell,

dows to let in breezes and watch sunsets.

throughout the décor and cocktail menu.

who pretty much owned all the land on the

The menu is filled with unexpected

A conversation with co-owner Philippe

lake and he created a pineapple farm on

and familiar items, but first things first.

Villain revealed the origins. “We were

this shore. He was the largest pineapple

Russell’s opens at 5pm with Happy hour

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until 7pm featuring tempting specials. We taste-tested three of the handcrafted cocktails. The Pain Killer, a Caribbean staple, features RumHaven Coconut Rum made with real coconut water, Papa’s Pilar Sherry Rum, coconut real cream and for a twist turmeric syrup. The House Pineapple Old Fashioned is a festive fusion of Woodford Reserve rye bourbon, pineapple liqueur, bitters and vanilla Giffard liqueur. And the refreshing Watermelon Basil is a mix of Waterloo No. 9 gin, Foro dry vermouth, fresh watermelon juice, lime juice and basil garnished with a couple of watermelon cubes. In addition to cocktails, the wine list includes more than 40 offerings. Chef Emmanuel Clement then offered up some appetizers for us to try. The notfried calamari sauteed with garlic and parsley had wonderful crispy edges and will be a new favorite of mine. The artisan charcuterie board with pâté, dry cured pork sausage, garlic sausage and cured ham was a traditional treat without a lot of extras like cheese and fruits. It also highlighted the meats that are cured on site. Roasted Beets and Burrata Napoleon is a beautiful medley of layered flavors sitting on a basil and pine nut vinaigrette. One thing we did not notice on the menu but were more than happy to try was the scallop dish served thinly sliced and cold accompanied by some colorful garnishes. november | december 2020

tastes&experiences

We did not sample anything on the salad menu but learned that the Caesar is made table-side with all the traditional ingredients. For an entrée sampling, Chef brought us the Herb and Honey Crusted Rack of Lamb, a four-bone rack surrounded by vegetables. We finished every bit. Other entrée options include the 16-ounce ribeye with Russell’s secret sauce; pan seared crispy duck confit; and swordfish served with a creamy saurel sauce. And you probably won’t have room but there is also a selection of desserts. General Manager Marcus Pitman makes sure to visit every table ensuring the quality standards are met. And while Russell’s is only open for dinner presently, there are plans to add weekend brunch and down the road maybe even lunch.

Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe 1414 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 32804 407-601-3508 | russellsorlando.com

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tastes&experiences

ABC Fine Wine Spirits Continues Its Local Legacy With a local legacy dating back to 1936, with the first store opened by Jack Holloway located at North Orange Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Orlando, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is still a family-owned and operated business with 125 stores across Florida. And more than offering consumers a wide selection of beverages and accessories, the company is committed to philanthropy.

One of the family members, CMO Sean Kelly, shared some thoughts on the subject: “Our community involve-

that ABC does, we have been able to part-

nearing, we got some notes on wines for

ner with our wholesalers and suppliers to

the season from ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’

form relationships that is driving money

wine expert Atanas Nechkov.

ment is such a source of pride for the com-

back to families, charitable organizations

pany and the family. ABC has historically

and people in need right here in Florida.

Pulse Coconut and Pulse Grapefruit Rosé

been involved with a handful of local orga-

It’s a big part of what we do. And when we

should never be served with food. They

nizations like United Cerebral Palsy Cen-

look at the past six months of COVID and

are more than just wine — they are a wine

tral Florida — which is the organization

what that’s done for our business —

cocktail. This style comes from a French

we are most involved with and dates back

including growth — it’s allowed us to give

tradition of adding a touch of fruit juice/

decades. I serve on the board. Every year

back even more. So, we’ve added organiza-

syrup to a glass of wine. The freshness of

we make donations to the Red Cross, spe-

tions like OnePulse Foundation and the

the rosé wine is perfectly balanced by the

cifically with their response after major

Equal Justice Foundation out of Alabama

natural flavor of the coconut or tangy cit-

storms. Others include Second Harvest

that does a lot of work in Florida. There’s a

rus fruit added, resulting in a vibrant and

Food Bank and other food banks tied to

legacy with giving back and it’s picked up

refreshing drink. Serve chilled or over ice,

the YMCA and Grace Medical Home. I

even more in recent months.” ABC is also

enjoy as aperitif or between meals.

just got off the phone with one of our sup-

a big part of the Cows & Cabs event bene-

The ready-bottled flavored rosé wine

pliers who we run a program with every

fitting After-School All Stars Orlando and

was born about 10 years ago and became,

year to support the National Pediatric

ELEVATE Orlando.

in a very short time, a favorite with Euro-

Cancer Foundation. This year’s fund-

In addition to their philanthropic work,

pean consumers, and not just the wine

raiser has already brought in more than

ABC is known for their large selection of

beginners but also anybody who wanted a

$130,000. In addition to the specific work

wines. And now that the holidays are

cool refresher on a hot summer day

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enjoyed on a terrace of an outdoor-café.

in food and wine pairing — any seafood

with seafood dishes and roasted meats as

Millions of cases were sold mostly in the

dishes including grilled shrimp and fish

well, because it’s a Blanc de Noirs, which

Mediterranean summer resort towns.

are a favorite pairing, but also mixed sal-

makes it, just like Trians Rosé, a very ver-

These are perfect to take to a party where

ads, roasted or grilled whites meats and

satile and universal wine.

only light appetizers are served.

vegetables, and even the traditional turkey meal, where we are pairing not just tex-

Octopoda Chardonnay, Dominio de la

Chateau Trians Rosé, Chateau de Cary

ture and body but also color. Trians Rosé

Peseta Cava Brut, and Collalto Prosecco

Potet Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Vue Sur Mer

perfectly complements the roasted turkey,

Extra Dry could be enjoyed as an aperitif

Cabernet Sauvignon, and Haton Brut

cranberry sauce and other pumpkin-

or successfully paired with food as well.

Classic are the perfect wines for the table

based side dishes (pumpkin ravioli).

The Prosecco is extra-dry, which means

because there are dry, with good acidity

Haton Classic Brut is a Blanc de Noirs

more dosage than brut, or slightly sweeter

and minerality and no additives. They will

Champagne, which means a white wine

than brut. The Cava offers more persistent

enhance your food and wine experience.

made of all red grapes, roughly 60% Pinot

effervescence than Prosecco and creamier

I recommend decanting the Burgundy

Meunier and 40% Pinot Noir in this case.

texture, and is perfect on its own or mixed

Pinot Noir and the Languedoc Cabernet

The color is golden yellow, and the effer-

with orange juice. The California Char-

Sauvignon for an hour before serving and

vescence is persistent with an attractive

donnays, in general, have more residual

pair with roasted red meats, red-sauce

constant stream of tiny bubbles. The bou-

sugar and exhibit more tropical fruit pro-

pasta dishes or stews. Chateau de Cary

quet offers aromas and flavors of red cur-

files and less citrus than the Chardonnays

Potet Bourgogne Pinot Noir would pair

rants, stone fruit, notes of citrus and

from Burgundy. These three wines would

well with a traditional Thanksgiving tur-

orange zest, and touches of dried fruits

be perfect to take to a party with no set

key meal, as long as it is mostly savory.

and flowers. Haton Classic Brut is ideal

menu or light appetizers only.

Chateau Trians Rosé is more universal

served as an aperitif, but it will pair well

november | december 2020

home&design holiday hosting Ready to entertain — even if it’s just family — this season? Serve your guests in style with a selection of dishes, domes, platters, trays, utensils, vessels, vases and bowls from Chic Rustique on Orange Avenue in Ivanhoe Village. The showroom features a variety of home décor items, unique accents and custom furnishings. chicrustique.com

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home&design

YESTERYEAR INFLUENCES TODAY’S HOME STYLE:

Nostalgia’s New Look At Home by Karen LeBlanc

Photos courtesy of Morrone Interiors

As a child of the ’70s living in a ranchstyle home, our household had a carpet rake. As part of my mother’s daily housekeeping routine, she would rake the green shag carpet in our woodpaneled family room, which we called the den. Today, I find myself wistfully longing for the return of shag carpet and the sensory-soothing, satisfying experience of raking those matted strands of grass green fibers back into shape. I miss carpet rakes. I miss many mundane objects of the home from my past. It turns out my nostalgia-infused longing for shag carpet is right on-trend. 66

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ccording to interior designer Audrey Morrone, shag carpet is making a comeback as nostalgia influences the direction of design. “Before the pandemic, nostalgia was building momentum in home décor. We saw a revival of the 1980s aesthetic and mid-century modern sensibilities. Today, people are pulling from their past to personalize their living spaces,” notes Audrey

Morrone, creative director of Morrone Interiors. As we cope with COVID-19, many of us seek comfort in the familiar, feeling nostalgic

about our childhoods and the way things were before they weren’t. From comfort foods to comfort fashion, the pandemic has us returning to the people, places, memories and things that remind us of happier times. Unlike vintage styles that showcase old objects for the sake of their age, nostalgic design is about personalizing your living space with objects from the past that have emotional attachments. Several key trend forecasters, including the global agency Fashion Snoops, note that our yearning for yesteryear is influencing both the home and fashion industries. “We want sparks of quirk that return us to innocent, childlike whimsy and tap into our inner child,” notes Jaye Anna Mize, vice president, Home and Interiors for Fashion Snoops. The trend forecaster states that the quarantine has us thinking about and craving things from our past.

“

In home décor, consumers

and artists are discovering inspiration from the mundane and how to create something new that is familiar.

”

“Before COVID-19, that matchy-matchy ’80s look of pastel colors and coordinating fabrics and wallpapers was gaining momentum in home décor. Now, I’m seeing a desire for more tactile materials evoking a cozy, warm feeling with a nod to the past,” Audrey says. The latest look embraces the simple life, drawing inspiration from our childhoods, ancestors and family heirlooms. It celebrates and showcases heritage objects such as a crocheted blanket or handmade quilt that takes on a new life through fresh presentations evoking warm memories. “In home décor, consumers and artists are discovering inspiration from the mundane and how to create something new that is familiar,” Jaye Anna says. Here are four iterations of this nostalgic state of mind in home décor.

TACTILE STYLE: As we transition into this post-COVID reality, we want to bring cozy textures into the home, such as shearling, fluffy mohair, chunky knits and terry textures for surface interest. Think plush pillows, puffy, fuzzy textures, and objects that spark memories from our collective youth. We seek out homespun, small-time delights from yesteryear fueled by nostalgia and irony. These tactile materials fill a sensory void, a touch deficit we are collectively suffering as a culture, unable to hug, shake hands, or express any physical affection. Audrey says her clients are asking for texturized wall treatments such as the november | december 2020

home&design popular leather look. “In our showroom, we have this faux-finished wall in a leather

PLAYHAUS:

we emotionally connect to, such as board

The pandemic also inspired an uptick in

games. Audrey is using board games in

texture that everybody wants to touch. It’s

home improvement projects as people

some of her design projects to inject a

becoming very popular with clients. We’ve

spend more time at home. Many want to

whimsical element in spaces. “We mount

designed the wall for several at-home

liven their living spaces, making them

different board games behind a layer of

movie theaters pairing velvet sofas and fur

more light-hearted and joyful. Fashion

acrylic to create a gallery wall in recre-

pillows for a rich sensory experience,” she

Snoops calls this emerging design trend

ational spaces,” she says. She also incorpo-

says.

PlayHaus, another interpretation of the

rates art in her projects inspired by nostal-

nostalgic aesthetic.

gic toys from artists such as Kews and

The latest looks also feature DIY and craft-inspired accessories such as artisanal

“PlayHaus draws inspiration from the

Blamo. “In my own home, I have a space-

handloom weaves, crocheted objects, knits,

imagination and celebrates all things non-

ship art piece by Blamo presented in an

and macrame art that invite touch and are

serious in our most anxiety-ridden times,”

apothecary jar that adds a joyful element

pleasing to the eye. “We value old tech-

Jaye Anna explains. The look translates

to the room,” she adds.

niques with new applications such as

into pillowy and puffy shapes; cutesy, bub-

“There is a childlike sensibility inspir-

channel tufting, color-stained woods, lac-

bly, fizzy forms; shaggy textures; and vinyl

ing décor. We want to return to the joy of

quered finishes, brushed fabrications,

materials that invite touch.

our childhood. We want to be surrounded

wavy movement, long fringe, intricate tile,

This playful, quirky quality to our liv-

soft curves and jagged edges,” Jaye Anna

ing spaces incorporates fun, childlike

adds.

graphics, designs and analog objects that

“

We want to be

surrounded by moodboosting experiences

”

and products.

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by mood-boosting experiences and products,” Jaye Anna says.

home&design LESSADENCE:

forecasting agency notes that consumers

While the pandemic forced us to stay

Another shift in home style honors

want to feel like the pieces purchased are

home, it also presented an opportunity to

minimalism with thoughtful elements

worth it and come with a story, a connec-

reset, rethink and redecorate our spaces to

and intentional design with emotional

tion.

bring us more comfort and joy. As our

connections. Fashion Snoops calls the mindset Lessadence, a form of decadent

RETRO REVIVAL:

minimalism where less is the new luxe as

This feel-good ideology in home décor also

we seek quality and permanence from the

is propelling a retro revival with designs

things in our lives. “Lessadence values less

in fun colorways and bold color pops. The

as the new luxury but without sacrificing

look draws from mid-century modern sen-

beauty for intention. It’s minimal but not

sibilities and a return to the golden age of

less decadent,” Jaye Anna notes. Lessa-

design in the ’50s and ’60s. “A few years

dence emphasizes things that feel familiar

ago, mid-century modern came back very

yet intentionally effortless.

strong and continues to gain traction in

The look embraces a dreamy world of

living spaces,” Audrey explains.

soft colors, playful simplicity, and gives

The look showcases materials such as

new life to practical pieces. The color pal-

pine, smooth leather, resin, luxe velvet,

ette relies on soft shades for a bold impact,

ceramics and terracotta. Curve appeal sur-

pairing tonal pastels or monochromatic

faces in furniture and spaces with curvi-

color palettes. “Less doesn’t mean simple.

linear chairs, channel-tufted couches,

It means style comes from a deep sense of

arched built-ins, and doorways that make

what’s essential,” she continues. The trend

a room feel more inclusive.

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muse, nostalgia helps us mine our past for treasured memories and objects that tell our narrative through décor. Karen LeBlanc is host of The Design Tourist series. She travels the globe attending some of the world’s premiere design events in search of the latest trends, tastemakers and unique finds. Learn more at thedesigntourist.com.

home&design

Joy to the World:

Festival of Trees Returns with a Timely Theme Whether you choose to stroll through the breathtaking Festival of Trees in person, or shop via remote access, the goal for the 34th annual event is to spread joy for holiday visitors at the Orlando Museum of Art. Presented by the Council of 101, its committees were busy behind the scenes to make the 2020 Festival of Trees an experience to remember. This treasured tradition will run November 12-29, at the Orlando Museum of Art, from 10am – 5pm each day with the exceptions of Mondays and Thanksgiving Day. Always a family-friendly holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees is being carefully planned to safely welcome visitors from around Central Florida into the museum. This year a modified event will be presented, with extended dates to include Thanksgiving weekend. Tickets will be managed through reserved admissions as the museum is operating at limited capacity. Onsite visitors will be directed to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines. Advanced ticket purchase is encouraged at Councilof101.org. More than 25 decked-out trees, unique gingerbread houses, pop-up vendors, Entertaining by Design table settings, performances by local entertainers, a chance to write to Santa, special drawings and more bring this event to life. Not to be missed — Santa sightings at the museum on the weekends. The first Saturday, November 14, of Festival of Trees has been proclaimed Ugly Sweater Day, with dignitaries and special ambassador appearances anticipated for this fun-filled theme day. This year’s Festival theme is “Joy to the World — Celebrating a Season of Joy,” and was selected with a focus to spark a little joy and kick off the holiday season in Central Florida. An array of handmade wreaths, designer inspired trees, holiday décor and more will be found around the museum. All holiday pieces are available for purchase to benefit the Orlando Museum of Art. For more information about Festival of Trees visit Councilof101.org or call 407-896-4231 ext.254.

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Christina Pinto, CFP

Have you had “THE Talk” about long term care planning? Christina shares her story as to why it is so important to talk to your loved ones today! Having “THE Talk” isn’t a one-time conversation; it’s ongoing and it’s happening in more homes around the country every day. No one is really prepared to have “THE Talk,” but when faced with life changing events, which is happening at earlier ages, it becomes a top priority. Chances are most of us will need help at some point in our lives. In fact, those ages 65 and older have a 70% chance of needing care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. This statistic doesn’t take into account younger people needing care from unforeseen accidents. Long term care planning continues to be a passion of Christina’s, stemming from her personal experience with her Mom, Xiomara Cuellar. Like many, her mom initially was opposed to having “THE Talk,” and later, she fully understood the importance of having a plan. This plan gave them control and the flexibility for her mom to choose the absolute best place for her to live. Sadly, Christina’s journey as a caregiver ended on May 29, 2019, when her mom suddenly passed away. Christina is a partner at an independent firm in Downtown Orlando. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and can customize plans based on each individual’s situation. Christina’s professional expertise, along with her personal know-how, allows her to better equip her clients for when they have “THE Talk.” Christina enjoys sharing her story hoping that others can learn from her experiences and ease their journey as you can never know for sure if you will need long term care. Maybe you will never need it, but an unexpected accident, illness, or injury can suddenly change things for you and your family. Christina’s caregiving journey taught her some invaluable lessons on how to become more efficient in navigating the difficulties of caregiving but, more importantly, navigating the system and the situation. As Christina helped her clients with their own long term care planning, they began asking her for assistance for their loved ones’ care. Whether it was finding them a caregiver, sharing helpful tips on keeping their loved ones safe at home, and finding them a place to live that will provide a higher level of care, Christina found herself imparting her knowledge onto her clients. She also focused on making sure caregivers practiced self-care so they could be there physically and emotionally for their loved ones. This led Christina to expand her planning business to include a new company which will be launching soon— Long Term Concierge, “The Greatest Gift is a Plan.”

Christina and her team will be those extra set of hands needed to best navigate those essential and time-consuming tasks while providing the most unbiased advice. Realizing that time and work constraints often do not allow folks to care for loved ones as they deserve, the team will educate caregivers on available resources and next steps. Their goal is to help caregivers enhance their lives to better care for their loved ones and help preserve their relationship. Have “THE Talk” with your loved ones about long term care planning; you are never as young or healthy as you are today! This topic is not fun, but it’s crucially important for your loved one’s future. Christina believes it is essential to give back to your community and devotes a significant amount of time and resources to volunteering. She serves on the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund and the City of Orlando Nominating Board. Christina is a member of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women and Heart of Florida United Way Women United. She has served on other boards, including Prospera as the Statewide and Regional Board Chair and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Christina completed her BSBA degree and CFP® Professional Education Certificate Program at the University of Central Florida.

CHRISTINA PINTO, CFP® Christina@LTConcierge.com 407-984-7567 Please follow me on Linked in

Gifts for Giving

LOCAL

LOVE Photos by Christi Ashby

Florida Kid swaddle blanket (made on the Space Coast by a UCF alum), $24, The Paper Closet; Everything’s Rosy Teleties, $10, Teleties.com; Bowes Signature Candles Orlando soy candle, $22, Maffrey’s; (and inset) enewton Signature Cross matte gold bracelet, $78, Hazel & Co. small Margaret bracelet, $80, and enewton choker classic gold, $118, Monkee’s of Winter Park; Alexandra Von Furstenberg Kaleidoscope candy dish, $475, Ted Maines Interiors; Jayes Studio Swizzle Sticks, $28, The Grove; Michael Aram White Orchid cake server, $80, The Tiny Orchid Co. succulent arrangement, $45, The Grove; Winter Park Candle Sweet Grapefruit, $28, Through the Looking Glass; O3MG Designs Pumpkin n Spice tassel earrings, $68, O3MGDesigns.com; Tiny colored bowls, $8 each, YAY!; Allie Beads Designs Prosecco earrings, $78, Monkee’s of Winter Park; Orange ceramic bowl, $5, YAY!; Ginger Jar blue and white ornament, $8, The Paper Closet; Oranges coaster, $6 each, YAY!; Alexandra Von Furstenberg set of 6 multi-neon dinner rings, $305, Ted Maines Interiors.

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Drinking with Chickens, Free-Range Cocktails for the Happiest Hour, $20, YAY!; Corkcicle Prism hybrid canteen, $40, Corkcicle.com, Disco Cube Cocktails, $19, YAY!; White Claw candle, $20, Yay; Brümate Margtini, $25, Monkee’s of Winter Park; Portland Syrups Citrus-Passion liquor & soda mixer, $18, Maffrey’s; LAU Glassware “Chanel” stemless wine glass, $ 36, Dear Jane; Allie Beads Designs Tequila earrings, $72, Monkee’s of Winter Park; Monogrammed acrylic stemless wine glasses, $50 (set of 4), The Monogram Merchant; Shanghai color block ice scoop, $24, The Monogram Merchant; Winter Park Peacock beverage napkins with gold foil, $18, The Paper Closet; HAU Tito’s candle and matches, $56, Dear Jane; Veuve Clicquot face mask, $18, The Monogram Merchant.

The

COCKTAIL CONNOISSEUR

november | december 2020

Burlesque, Le Sirene candelabra, by Seletti, $343, and Tom Dixon Swirl multi-block candelabra, $500, Ted Maines Interiors; Nest New York Holiday scented candle, $42, The Monogram Merchant; Thymes Frasier Fir candle, $34, Dear Jane; Lovespoon Candles The Monogram Series Cranberry Marmalade scented soy candle, $36, LovespoonCandles.com; The USB Light Company eco-friendly rechargeable lighter, $34, The Grove; Winter Park Candle Pumpkin SoufflĂŠ, $18, Through the Looking Glass; Lovespoon Candles travel tin (choose from 33 fragrances), $15, LovespoonCandles.com.

The

CANDLE COLLECTOR

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The

FOODIE

Wood cutting board with citrus design, $35, YAY!; 16oz Honey for Good Orange Blossom Honey, $7.50, with A Spoon Full of Hope ceramic tea cup with spoon, $10, ASpoonFullofHope.org; My Ice Cream & Netflix Binge Spoon, $17, YAY!; 16oz Tomato Basil Soup for Good adorned with a ribbon, ornament and wooden spoon, $10, ASpoonFullofHope.org; Hampton citrus cotton wrap or runner, $28, The Monogram Merchant; TRUFF Black-Truffle Infused Hot Sauce, $7, YAY!; Heavens to Betsy Spread the Love triple berry small-batch artisan spread, $12, Maureen H. Hall Stationery & Invitations, heavenstobetsywp.com; 3oz jars of Orange Blossom, Palmetto, Wildflower and Mangrove (far left) Honey for Good adorned with a ribbon and wooden spoon, $20, ASpoonFullofHope.org; Unwind Suprize Ball, $13, YAY!; Winter Park Peacock Bamboo Serving Board, $26, The Paper Closet.

november | december 2020

The

FREE SPIRIT

Happy HanukkahÂ large flour sack tea towel, $15, The Paper Closet; Pink Picasso Paint by Number Kits in Lily Llamacorn, $30, The Grove; Pink Picasso Paint by Numbers kit in Frannie Flamingo, $42, YAY!; Words to Live By 50 Inspiring Quotes by 50 Inspiring Women, $17, Paper Goat Post; Thymes Mandarin-Coriander home fragrance mist, $20, Dear Jane; Brouk & Co. Fix-It-Kit, $50, The Grove; Hello Poolside Shibori Waves Turkish towel, $38, The Monogram Merchant; University of Florida Teleties, $8, Teleties.com; The High Fiber hand printed cotton towel, $14, Maffreyâ€™s; Playhaus Hello Sunshine sunglasses, $20, The Monogram Merchant.

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Shag Couture Cotswold Plaid Clutch, $195, and Metallic Snakeskin Reveal Clutch, $250, ShagCouture.com; Thymes Hot Cocoa Peppermint candle, $44, Dear Jane; Corkcicle Unicorn Magic coffee mug, $40, Corkcicle.com; Monogram travel pouch, $28, The Monogram Merchant; White pearlescent chain mask holder/necklace with choice of mask, $140, ANY DI Pirate Cat glasses holder, $90, and ANY DIÂ Leopard FurÂ leather phone holder pouch, $99, and chain, $90, Oxford Eyes; O3MG Designs tassel earrings, $70, O3MGDesigns.com.

The

FASHIONISTA

november | december 2020

The Home Edit Life, $28.50, YAY!; Lisa Lerch Tinsley earrings, $68, The Grove; Michael Aram White Orchid cake stand, $120, Dear Jane; Corkcicle Prism stemless wine glasses, $40 (set of 2), Corkcicle.com; O3MG Designs Kinky Boots tassel earrings, $72, O3MGDesigns.com; Jonathan Adler Milano rectangle tray, $78, The Grove; Musee Bath Full of Joy bar soap, $8, YAY!; BEA Decoupage Oyster trinket tray, $38, Dear Jane; estudio-iris Ostra ring, $106, and Stick Pearl earrings, $110, estudio-iris.com.

The

HOSTESS

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The

ENTERTA

INER

The Artisan Table gift set, $160, from Expressions Gift Co. Includes: Graze book; F. Stephen Millier Shiraz; hand-crafted olive wood cheese board; stainless steel cheese tools; elegant hammered brass coasters; high-quality wine glasses in protective matte silicone; harmonious blend of snacking olives; all-natural gourmet fig spread; hand-woven Turkish hand towel; and artisan crafted fig and olive crisps.

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SHOP LOCAL RETAILERS DEAR JANE 329 N. Park Ave. Winter Park 32789 dearjanewinterpark.com @dearjanewinterpark

MAFFREY’S 1231 N. Orange Ave. Orlando 32804

The Tiny Orchid Co. Signature Tiny Orchids Arrangement, $65; Orange ceramic bowl, $5, from YAY!; Beautiful packaging from an Expressions Gift Co. box.

maffreys.com @maffreysgoodgoods

MAUREEN HALL H. STATIONERY & INVITATIONS 116 S. Park Ave. Winter Park 32789 maureenhallinvitations.com @maureenahallinvitations

MONKEE’S OF WINTER PARK 444 W. New England Ave. Suite 115 Winter Park 32789 monkeesofwinterpark.com @monkees_winterpark

OXFORD EYES 1213 N. Orange Ave. Orlando 32804 oxfordeyes.com @oxford_eyes

THE MONOGRAM MERCHANT 1322 N. Mills Ave. Orlando 32803 themonogrammerchant.com @themonogrammerchant

PAPER GOAT POST 1219 N. Orange Ave. Orlando 32804 papergoatpost.com @papergoatpost

YAY! 1211 N. Orange Ave. Orlando 32804 yaytinyshop.com @yaytinyshop

TED MAINES INTERIORS

1030 N. Orange Ave. Winter Park 32789

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

tedmainesinteriors.com

110 N. Park Ave. Winter Park 32789

@tedmainesinteriors

@throughthelookingglasswp

THE GROVE

TINY ORCHID CO.

341 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Winter Park 32789

thegrovewp.com

thetinyorchico.com

@thegrovewp

@thetinyorchidco

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SHOP LOCAL ARTISANS & COMPANIES A SPOON FULL OF HOPE aspoonfullofhope.org @aspoonfullofhope

HEAVENS TO BETSY heavenstobetsywp.com @heavens2betsywp

This product line benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of

Betsy Krkich's small-batch, farm-to-table gourment preserves

Central Florida includes honey, cookies, soup and customized/

and spreads can be purchased in several local stores; check

pre-packaged gift baskets. Products can be purchased on their

online listing.

website or at select local markets (check the website for a listing).

CORKCICLE corkcicle.com @corkcicle Locally owned and operated, Corkcicle beverage products are available at many local retailers and online. Corkcicle has partnered with charity: water to help fund clean water projects around the world.

ESTUDIO-IRIS estudio-iris.com @estudioiris estudio-iris is a small multi-disciplinary studio with a collection of handmade modern jewelry,Â for both everyday wear and for those special days. With a background in architecture and interior design, owner and designer Iris Ledesma fell in

LOVESPOON CANDLES lovespooncandles.com @lovespooncandles Lovespoon Candles offer outstanding and complex fragrances in exceptionally beautiful packaging. Gift its monthly Candle Club service. Founder Jennifer Zack also loves giving back, donating $1 for every standard purchase order to Feeding Children Everywhere.

O3MG DESIGNS o3mgdesigns.com @o3mgdesigns O3MG Designs was created by mom of three daughters Bianca Moore who crafts custom earrings and jewelry pieces for the fancy night out or for those casual days when you just want to add some flair and excitement.

love with jewelry making and so she makes wearable art.

SHAG COUTURE shagcouture.com @shagcouture

EXPRESSIONS GIFT CO. expressionsgiftco.com @expressions_gift_co

Hala Khalaf established the brand in Orlando in 2008.Â These

Founded by Kimberly Kapes, Expressions Gift Co. curates experiential and personalized gifts that express a feeling and leave a lasting impression, from custom corporate gifting and personalized products to curated gift boxes.

luxury handmade couture handbags are made to tell a story. Hala recently launched sister brand Shag Couture Paperie, a collection of handmade greeting cards.

TELETIES teleties.com @tele_ties Teleties, an all-in-one hair tie that doubles as a stylish stackable bracelet, was founded by Winter Park resident and entrepreneur Lindsay Muscato. The brand partnered with FORCE, a non-profit organization that improves the lives of those affected by hereditary cancers.

THE PAPER CLOSET thepapercloset@yahoo.com 479-461-6226 Since 2014, The Paper Closet has been full of fun and friendship through client relationships. The Paper Closet evolved into a full showroom, concierge gift service, university donor gift line, and custom paper studio. It is owned and operated Twine Living copper-plated champagne stopper, $10, from YAY!; Shag Couture Paperie French Harvest Blessing card set and Seasonal Santa card set, $45 each

by Holly Elarbee in Winter Park (shop Winter Park studio by appointment).

november | december 2020

The IMPACT of PHILANTHROPY Imagine having to choose between putting food on the table, paying rent, affording transportation or paying for childcare. Which one would you choose? These are the choices many individuals and families face every day, especially in these uncertain economic times. At United Against Poverty Orlando, our mission to serve those in need can only happen through the community’s philanthropic efforts.

hrough the generosity of financial donations from our Central Florida community, United

Against

Poverty Orlando is able to

provide resources that make these choices more manageable. For instance, our Member Share Grocery Program allows a family to put healthy and nutritional food on the table for a reduced cost of up to 70% off of a traditional grocery store. This allows individuals in need to redistribute their income to other life essentials. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the growing need for our grocery services and took immediate action by implementing a fresh market on wheels we call the “Mobile Market.” These Mobile Markets give communities immediate access to fresh food including vegetables, produce, milk, eggs and proteins for a small handling fee. At our initial location, we were overwhelmed by how many families were in need. We had more than 40 volunteers, cars were lined up for hours, the sheriff’s office had to assist with traffic, and our volunteers worked from 9am to 4pm, making sure every family was served. Through the efforts of donors and volunteers, United Against Poverty is able to help those who are unemployed get back to work. Our Workforce Development Program helps adult learners enhance their job-readiness skills through emotional

NANCY ROBBINSON Executive Director, United Against Poverty Orlando 98

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intelligence, empowerment training and

we’ve been comforted, encouraged and

of those struggling. Our services and

success coaching. Our Crisis Stabilization

humbled by the outpouring of generosity

resources are designed to assist families

Program provides crisis care and case man-

and support from our community. We’re

with a hand up, not a hand out, with the

agement for those in emergency situations.

thankful for their efforts and recognize

highest order of care through integrity,

Participants are provided resources to

the remarkable people, organizations,

compassion, respect and inclusion.

address immediate needs such as emer-

community groups, small businesses and

For a year that has been met with one

gency food and housing assistance. Once

corporations that have stepped up to assist

challenge after another, we have the

stabilized, we work to identify underlying

our community in meeting today’s chal-

opportunity to change course by providing

issues and provide long-term support

lenges. Those challenges have greatly

hope for those in our community. Let’s

through a case management model.

multiplied with more families finding

make sure our families, neighbors and

themselves facing hardships — some for

friends have the support they need and

the first time.

come through whatever crisis they are

All of these programs are supported by volunteers who ensure the smooth daily operation of our campus. In 2019, a remark-

It’s through the generosity of time, tal-

able 58,941 hours of service valued at $1.45

ent and philanthropic support that we at

And we’re all familiar with the saying,

million were recorded by our volunteers.

United Against Poverty Orlando are able

it takes a village. Together, with our donors

to meet these challenges and lift the lives

and volunteers, we are the village!

During this time of great uncertainty

experiencing on the better side.

november | december 2020

Philanthropy is always critical for the arts. Itâ€™s important, especially right now, that patrons understand that there actually is a business model behind the giving process. In normal times that framework for nonprofit performing arts organizations depends upon as little as 30 percent to as much as 50 percent of the annual operating budget. With current social distancing requirements, our earned revenue estimates are capped at 30 percent of venue capacity for performances and similarly capped for dance instruction, making contributed revenue essential to survival.

rlando Ballet has been extraordinarily fortunate in that when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the last two shows of the

2019/2020 season, many donors generously and quickly contributed second and even third gifts of annual support through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign. Orange County had previously made very generous and elevated match funds available through this channel, which inspired mission investors to step up, actions that have sustained us through the present. Orlando Ballet also was fortunate to qualify for a PPP loan, which closed a very significant earned revenue gap. What has also been helpful is our being invited to apply for COVID-specific relief by several funding partners. Make no mistake, we have

CHERYL COLLINS Executive Director, Orlando Ballet 100

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done our part by controlling expenses very

strategic in-kind support by many.

affect change more nimbly than most any

tightly to allow for increased focus upon

Over the next year, the arts landscape

other kind of investment.

stewardship of our current donors as we

will have changed immensely as the unfor-

We remain excited and optimistic

move toward our season opening. Part of

tunate impact of sustained income losses

about the future. Orlando Ballet is moving

that includes implementing a standard

are felt. We will continue to operate in a

ahead with the premiere of Robert Hillâ€™s

hybrid model for smaller performances,

fiscally conservative fashion and steward

The Sleeping Beauty and the holiday tradi-

providing a choice between live or virtual

our donor relationships to allow for gen-

tion of The Nutcracker, all of which have

attendance. We have the benefit of having

eral community confidence to return. We

been executed under tightly managed

a wonderful new building that enables us

want donors to know and feel as though

safety restrictions. It is our mission to pro-

to host some smaller but dynamic perfor-

their investments will continue to make a

vide the highest quality of dance because

mances.

difference in both the short and long term.

it is a vital art form that provides so much

We continue to seek ways to partner,

Philanthropic focus may indeed begin

joy. So many are anxious to see the arts

particularly in the corporate world, even if

to change. As so many weighty current

live once again, and we feel confident this

financial support is not an option. Thanks

issues have no immediate solution, donors

will help donors see the importance of

to our legacy relationships, weâ€™ve seen cre-

may begin to realize that direct invest-

their past support, inspiring them to

ative ways to address budget issues with

ment in missions they care about can

renew for this year.

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101

There’s no doubt that this year has been a challenging one for all of us. But when I walk around our campus, I see the love and kindness of our donors everywhere. It’s on display when someone walks up to me in the hallway, bursting with excitement to share that they’ve just gotten a job or when a child ends the day eating a warm meal with his or her family — things made possible by the generosity of so many.

very day we shelter up to

an apartment. And now, they’re looking

500 homeless men, wom-

forward to celebrating the holidays togeth-

en and children, each of

er, safe at home. While our donors will

them with a unique story.

likely never meet Christina, they are a

Stories like Christina’s —

part of her story and countless others.

a mother of two who was enduring a vio-

Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we

lent relationship until her young daughter

do without philanthropic partners in our

witnessed an incident. With nowhere else

mission. That rings more true than ever as

to turn, the family came to the Coalition

our community grapples with the sustained

for the Homeless of Central Florida. In

economic fallout from the pandemic. Cen-

addition to working with one of our Hous-

tral Florida has the worst unemployment

ing Specialists to get into a home of their

rate in the state. Many families and indi-

own, Christina and her kids participated

viduals that are turning to us for help are

in support groups to begin their healing

homeless for the first time, a position they

process. In June, at the height of the pan-

never expected to find themselves in. The

demic in our community, they moved into

need is great and expected to increase.

ALLISON KRALL President and CEO, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida 102

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Many people have stayed housed due to

day-to-day operations in almost every way

Central Florida, the Coalition will be here

the statewide and now CDC moratorium

imaginable to follow CDC guidelines for

for those who find themselves in one of the

on evictions. When that expires, thousands

social distancing and more to keep our

most vulnerable situations a person can

of people won’t be able to pay their rent.

shelter guests and staff safe and healthy.

face — and many for the first time. Dona-

Community leaders project that there

Through the philanthropic support of the

tions from caring, compassionate commu-

could be a “tidal wave of homelessness” in

community, we were able to renovate dorm

nity members have always been the life-

the future.

areas, increase the number of meals served

blood of our organization, fueling change

While these are certainly unique times

to respond to the need, and put health and

for people like Christina. Moving into the

we’re living in, the Coalition is no stranger

wellness protocols in place. Even so, the

future, philanthropic support will be more

to adapting. Since 1987, the faces of home-

Coalition has seen operating expenses

important than ever. Thanks to our won-

less people and the way we approach help-

increase by about $11,000 per week.

derful partners in our mission, the Coali-

ing them have changed tremendously.

As we brace for what will likely be a

During the pandemic, we’ve changed our

significant increase in homelessness in

tion will be here for those who need us — today, tomorrow and always.

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103

Lyana Vasquez’s passion is helping parents give their children a future. Best Memories Academy, an early learning center licensed for 79 children, made that dream come true. “Without the support of the Early Learning Coalition I would not be here today,” said Lyana. “They gave me wings.”

his same commitment to families and their children plays out repeatedly across Orange County in an industry that is primarily wom-

en owned, survives on a shoestring, and has a workforce turnover rate of more than 30% due to its low pay. Yet, as we have seen under COVID, without childcare parents cannot work. Supporting this industry is why the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County exists. More than 84% of the Coalition’s $77 million budget goes directly into vouchers to help parents offset the cost of care. Yet the majority of the Coalition’s work is promoting

program

quality

adding

enhanced services few childcare providers can afford to offer on their own. It is this work where we are most reliant on the generosity of donors and foundations. The Coalition’s foray into donor support efforts was the First Five Years Gala born 10 years ago. Thanks to Walt Disney World, a challenge grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, and the many table sponsors and their guests we have raised more than $1 million to support children and families. And in-kind support from the Orlando Sentinel and iHeartRadio

KAREN WILLIS, CWDP Chief Executive Officer, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County 104

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has brought hundreds of thousands of dol-

Central Florida Foundation, launched our

Blue and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, who

lars in local matching funds.

Circle of Security effort to transform how

donate thousands of books annually for

The generosity of the Orlando Children

early childhood teachers support the emo-

home libraries.

and Youth Trust, supported by the Com-

tional development of children in their care.

And during the initial outbreak of

munity Foundation of Central Florida,

Following this successful effort, more

COVID, we could not have responded so

created our premiere parent support ini-

than 300 early learning teachers now

quickly to sanitation needs of childcare

tiative Baby Institute in 2011, which now

have access to EAP services to support

programs without the generous support of

boasts 364 graduates. With the initial pilot

their emotional health thanks to the gen-

SkyChef and tens of individual donors

in Parramore, Baby Institute is expanding

erosity of the Florida Blue Foundation.

who went into their own supply cabinets

across the county thanks to support from

And a crisis intervention team specializ-

to provide bleach, wipes and paper prod-

the Orange County Citizensâ€™ Commission

ing in early childhood trauma will soon be

ucts when none were available in stores.

for Children.

available to respond when the unthink-

In 2012, our infant/toddler credential-

able happens to the youngest among us.

This is just a sampling of how the power of philanthropy is enriching the lives of

ling program launched with the support of

Our Book Buddy and Celebrity Reader

very young children and those who care

the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

programs are solely reliant on the gift of

for them. 90% of brain architecture is

More than 130 teachers working with our

time and donation of books of more than

formed in the first 2,000 days of a childâ€™s

tiniest now boast a national credential

200 individual donors who are sharing the

life. The richness of the experiences made

specific to birth to 2-year-olds and a reten-

love of reading with young children. Com-

possible only through the generosity of

tion rate of 56%, compared to an industry

plementing this is the Baskets for Books in

philanthropy is so crucial because those

average of 31%.

partnership with Orlando Magic, Florida

first five years matter the most.

Many childcare owners excel in caring for children but struggle with key business practices. Three years ago Wells Fargo, Florida Blue and Tupperware provided funding to create our Business Institute for Early Learning Entrepreneurs, which now has more than 85 graduates. Professionals from Orlando Health, JLL, SCORE Orlando and Wells Fargo continue to serve as Institute faculty. PNC Bank Foundation helped bring to life our Artist in Residence initiative. Their support brought much needed dollars to expand the initial program seeded by in-kind support from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Community Arts. Behaviors resulting from unrecognized developmental delays and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are often misinterpreted by adults, leading to negative consequences for very young children. 100 Women Strong, a giving circle under the

november | december 2020

105

A blue-eyed little girl not quite 5 years old does not speak; she does not look up or make eye contact. She has been severely sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend. To experience such horrific trauma at such a young age is unimaginable at any age. It was not surprising that her light had been dimmed. After a few therapy sessions, her demeanor changed, and her light began to shine again for all to see. Her smile brightened the room, and the hearts of those helping her.

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4,000 reports of suspected child abuse

staff does each day, bring

each year, a shocking statistic that is

hope and healing to chil-

haunting and daunting under normal cir-

dren who have been abused

cumstances.

and/or neglected. Kids House

The mission of Kids House is to prevent

of Seminole, the Wayne Densch Children’s

child abuse and to aid child abuse victims

Advocacy Center, located in Sanford, is the

and families by providing coordinated ser-

one place in Seminole County dedicated to

vices in a safe, child-friendly environment

dealing with the thousands of allegations of

from reporting and investigation through

abuse and neglect reported each year.

treatment and resolution. In collaboration

As Seminole County’s only child advo-

with all law enforcement agencies, the state

cacy center since 1999, Kids House is the

attorney’s office, medical personnel, child

single point of contact for child abuse inves-

protection professionals, social workers,

tigations. We provide this targeted popula-

and licensed mental health counselors, we

tion with essential life services to help vic-

are working together to break the cycle of

tims and their families heal.

violence often seen with child abuse.

For some perspective, child abuse is the

Within the past year in Seminole

leading cause of death in children under

County, there have been a total of 4,634

the age of 4, and Seminole County Child

child abuse hotline calls. In more than two

Protective Services receives approximately

decades, more than 25,000 children have

JULIETTE KONG Chief Executive Officer, Kids House of Seminole 106

hat is precisely what our

received help and/or services from Kids

ing more time supporting caregivers and

social media platforms and being creative

House. Annually, the agency sees more

providing extra therapy sessions to chil-

with the content to raise awareness and

than 2,000 child victims each year, with

dren at no cost to families. Kids House has

fundraising. We are using social media

40% of children receiving services for sex-

modified the way we provide services to

platforms as much as possible to get pre-

ual abuse; 28% for physical abuse; 21% for

include virtual telehealth, providing trau-

vention material out to parents. Another

neglect; and 10% for witnessing violence.

ma therapy for victims, and online support

cornerstone of my mission is to make sure

for their caretakers during this trying time.

the public is equipped to report abuse.

COVID-19 has affected every aspect of the lives of our community residents and

The fiscal impact to Kids House has

Our most important connection to the

caused significant stress â€” from worry

been staggering. A large portion of the

community is the abuse hotline, 1-800-

about jobs, housing and finances to how to

income in the budget is from fundraising

ABUSE, which is the most useful when it

stay safe and, in many instances, caring

and donations. With the pandemic, fund-

comes to reporting. Even though we are

for children 24 hours a day, seven days a

raising efforts have been difficult and

somewhat isolated because of the pan-

week without a break. This situation is the

almost impossible, a financial loss of

demic, if you see something, you have the

perfect breeding ground for abuse, neglect

approximately 29% of the annual budget

ability and a duty to call in a report.

and domestic violence. The cases reported

with the inability to host our annual gala.

My journey and dedication to childrenâ€™s

have escalated in severity, with open cases

This loss impacts the ability to provide

advocacy began in 2001 when I accepted a

as severe as a childâ€™s death at the hands of

essential critical services to those who

position at Kids House as a new college

a trusted adult.

need it the most.

graduate. It was in those early days at Kids

It is not only the new cases of abuse and

As the new CEO of Kids House, I have

House when I met that blue-eyed little girl

neglect coming through the door that need

big plans for the future of serving children

and made the commitment to serve and

assistance; the mental health staff is spend-

and families by continuing to leverage

advocate for children.

Juliette with staff members.

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