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 3rd 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 10th 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
Sponsored by Orlando Health
November 10, 2021, | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Holiday Inn East UCF Area
Celebrating & supporting five local charities during this season of giving
$40 for EOCC members | $50 Nonmembers
Healthcare Collaborative Meet & Greet at The Bridge Orlando
November 11, 2021, | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
The Bridge Orlando
Register to participate at eocc.org
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Iron Bodyfit Waterford Lakes
November 11, 2021, | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
RSVP to participate in this Free After-Hours event
Misters & Sisters Great “Happy Hour” Adventure
Celebrating National Happy Hour Day!
November 12, 2021, | 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Bonefish Grill Waterford Lakes
Food & Beverage is responsibility of attendee
#Buzz4Biz Meet & Greet for Chamber Curiosity Seekers
November 16, 2021, | 8:30 – 9:30 AM
The 5th Floor Orlando, Avalon Park
Register to attend – for non-members interested in exploring the EOCC
EOCC Real Estate Advisory Council presents: Residential Real Estate
Sponsored by milliCare by Cubix, Inc.
November 17, 2021, | 8:00 – 9:30 AM
The Pavilion at Avalon Park
$35 for EOCC members | $40 Nonmembers
November 18, 2021, | 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Sam’s Club Lake Nona
Open Networking
Free for members | $10 Nonmembers | Discount for College Students
International Diamond Center After-Hours
November 18, 2021, | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
International Diamond Center Waterford Lakes
RSVP to EOCC.org
November 25 – 26, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving!
