Community service doesn’t mean you have to think inside the box. Many communities have needs that most people don’t stop to think about. But those who do discover they can help in ways they never thought possible. One of those people is Gary Landwirth, who founded the Orlando-based organization A Gift For Teaching (AGFT) in 1998. A friend of Landwirth’s, who was a teacher, was in need of school supplies and had to resort to purchasing them himself. Landwirth recognized that this was a problem for many teachers in the community and took it upon himself to find companies that would donate school supplies to needy teachers. Thirteen... [Read more]
During the holiday season, every family takes part in a special tradition or two that has been passed down from generation to generation. The communities of East/Southeast Orange County are no different in their participation. Avalon Park, Lake Nona and Waterford Lakes all have their own traditions that will be celebrated by generations to come. Avalon Park, for example, celebrates the holiday season with Avalon Aglow. “This event was started nine years ago as an annual holiday festival for community members to celebrate the holidays with,” says Stephanie Hodson, marketing director for Avalon Park Group. A few younger Avalon Park residents... [Read more]
The act of giving back to the community can come in all shapes and sizes. By dedicating your time and talents to a cause you believe in, you have the opportunity to create positive changes in your own personal style. This month, we will highlight two individuals who have impacted the Central Florida community in very different ways. Brian Watson For corporate lawyer Brian Watson of Broad and Cassel, community service has always played an integral role in his life. An Orlando native, Watson was first introduced to volunteer work in middle school, when he had the chance to volunteer at the Coalition for the Homeless and Give Kids the World. Today,... [Read more]
Many of us use the time-consuming act of balancing work, relationships, kids and more as an excuse for not giving back to the community. We have too much on our plate as it is, so how can we make time for community service? Well, the members of the Rotary Club of Lake Nona have put that excuse to shame. Founded in 2009 by a group of businesspeople who wanted to give back to the new and developing community of Lake Nona, Rotary Club members show that there’s always time to put Service Above Self. Members and guests attending the Monday night meeting of the Lake Nona Rotary Club. “The goal of the club is a couple of things; first and... [Read more]
Giving back to the community may not be on many high school students’ list of priorities, but for some it’s a must. This is the first year that community service hours are a requirement for both the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS) and the Gold Seal Vocational Award. Students who wish to receive the Florida Medallion Award must complete at least 75 hours of community service. The FMS Award used to cover up to 75 percent of college tuition per year, but now, like the rest of the Bright Futures Scholarships, it only covers a certain dollar amount. The FMS Award isn’t the only one now requiring community service;... [Read more]
