EOCC: Paying it Forward November - Benefits All the Way Around

By DOROTHY HARDEE, East Orlando Chamber Director of Operations

“Community service is important to me for so many reasons! First and foremost, I take pride in knowing that I am helping to positively affect someone’s life.” – Gilliam Rappaport

As a young girl, I often gravitated to activities that helped others. A perfect example was watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, then volunteering to go door-to-door collecting donations and begging my dad to drive me to the local TV station to deliver the money to be counted in the grand total. Later, I worked with a local Little League, walked for the Heart Association with co-workers and eventually on to the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes & Alzheimer’s Association. Not only did I feel my small contribution would make a difference, but it made me feel good about myself.

Tony Robbins concurs, reminding us that giving back cannot be understated. It not only helps those around us, but also benefits everyone giving back by:

Improving mental health
Improving physical health
Expanding your network
Developing new skills
Transforming your perspective
Fulfilling your deepest human needs

AARP adds that it also makes an impact; strengthens our community; allows you to connect with others and take the lead; share your expertise; up your resume ante; find new opportunities and (as I mentioned earlier) just plain feel good. So, are YOU ready to take the next step leading by example? Now is the perfect time to start.

We are launching our Nonprofit theme for November with our W.I.S.E. (Women in Successful Endeavors) featuring Women in Nonprofit: Focus on Foundations, sponsored by Orlando Health, November 3^rd at The Celeste Hotel Orlando. Graciela NoriegaJacoby, COO with Heart of Florida United Way will lead the discussion with a dynamic group of women leading nonprofit foundations. Joining her will be Lainie Fox-Ackerman (Orlando Health); Linda Landman Gonzalez (Orlando Magic Youth Foundation); Meghan Curren (AdventHealth); Jodie Hardman (Bank of America Foundation) and Min Sun Kim (Edyth Bush Institute).

The East Orlando Chamber’s Local Charities Luncheon sponsored by Orlando Health is proud to feature Barbara Poma, Founder of onePLUSE Foundation, November 10^th at the Holiday Inn East UCF Area. Seats are still available until November 8. Register to attend at EOCC.org. During our Local Charities Luncheon “Lights, Camera, Action” event, we will feature five local charities doing good work in our community. Each will be featured during the event, making a passionate plea for support through our “Giving Tree” Our charities and their five simple “ask” include:

Friends of Fisher House Orlando: 3-$25 Gift Cards & 2-$50 Gift cards to either Publix, Walmart or Amazon for food, cleaning supplies or person hygiene items for Fisher House Guests.
Junior Achievement Central Florida: 5-$5 Gift Cards to Jeremiah’s Ice; 4-Flash Drives; Portable Laminator; 2 -Wireless Mouse
One Heart for Women & Children: 1- $25 Publix Card; 1 - $25 Walmart Card; 10 x 10 Pop-up tent(s); Large Size Children’s Diapers & Pull ups; New throw blankets (Target or Walmart)
Pathway Homes of Florida: $25 for Toilet Paper; $25 for Laundry & Dish detergent; $50 for hygiene items; $50 for Lynx bus passes for clients; $75 for cleaning supplies
Volunteers for Community Impact: 1-$75 Amazon card; $25 for “My Brother’s Keeper books; $50 for the OTTER program; $75 for RSVP craft supplies ; $35 for GOAL program

How can you help? Fulfill one or more of their needs, dropping your gift by the East Orlando Chamber office between now and December 2. Believe me, you can never have too many gift cards, supplies or donations especially during the end of the year.

Do you want other ways to give back? You can join me for The ALS Association Florida Chapter Run 90 Miles this November. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed & every 90 minutes someone passes away from ALS. It will not only allow me to give back to a worthwhile cause, but also keep me accountable for changing my habits to incorporate intentional activity into my day. Who knows, I may even take a stab at periodic fasting and vegetarian days. How about you?

Here is more good news. Did you also know the East Orlando Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has launched? Its mission is to provide financial support, mentorship, development, and guidance for small and medium sized businesses starting their business or taking the next step to growth. We are looking for supporters and potential Board Members. Interested? Call the Chamber at (407)277-5951 or contact Jennifer Englert.

Looking for more ways to highlight your business? The East Orlando Chamber has a plethora of opportunities to get you noticed, connecting you with your next clients and partners, keeping your business healthy.

For the health of your business reach out to the East Orlando Chamber for a menu of unique offerings elevating your businesses visibility and connect you with others helping your business thrive. We are the first in the state offering traditional Health Insurance plans, as well as supplemental products including dental, vision, critical illness, accidental and more.

For more information or to register call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Local Charities Luncheon “Lights, Camera, Action” featuring Barbara Poma, onePULSE Foundation