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Duke Energy Foundation Invests $275,000 In Nonprofits Supporting Floridians’ Most Essential Needs
The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $275,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations that are helping meet Floridians’ most basic, essential needs and increasing access to quality health care, affordable housing, workforce development and more. High-impact investments: Statewide ($25,000)Florida Council on Aging ($25,000) Tampa Bay Area ($120,000)Bay Area Chamber Foundation/Leadership St. Pete ($10,000) Feeding Tampa Bay ($20,000) Interactive Food Truck Academy ($15,000) The Jackson Copeland
Habitat for Humanity Announces Achievement Award Winners
Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka announced the winners of its Habitat Achievement Awards at a ceremony held on April 24, 2026 at Eastmonte Park Civic Center in Altamonte Springs, FL. Over 100 Central Florida volunteers were honored, including special recognition for those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts. The evening underscored the significance of Habitat’s Blueprint for the Future—more than a plan, it is a promise to grow with purpose. A promise to place families at the center of
Orlando Health Hosts Volunteer-Focused ‘407 Day’
Orlando Health hosted its second-annual 407 Day on April 7, 2026, to honor the organization’s roots and put its mission of service into action. Orlando Health, alongside local businesses, community members and sports partners, came together to support and strengthen the communities it serves. As part of the service day, Orlando Health hosted 63 various onsite and offsite volunteer projects benefiting different community partners in the various areas where the health system has a presence. Activities
Orlando Magic Making a Huge Impact Off the Court During MLK Week of Service
In July 2006, just about 20 years ago, the Orlando Magic launched a new program designed to encourage team staff to engage in community service. The goal, at the time, was for Magic employees to collectively do 2,000 hours of service that upcoming season. Well, they exceeded that mark, tracking over 3,800 hours during the 2006-07 season. Clearly, this Magic Volunteer Program – or MVP for short – was a big hit. The opportunity to give back to their neighbors meant a great deal to the staff. Since
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Commissioner Claudia Thomas Honored with 2026 Home Rule Hero Award
The Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Sanford City Commissioner, Claudia Thomas, with a 2026 Home Rule Hero Award for their hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session. Thomas worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices by sharing insights, local data, and real-world examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities. “Local voices matter,
Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka Kicks Off 2026 Women Build During International Women’s Month
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka has officially launched its 2026 Women Build initiative, bringing together teams from across Central Florida to raise funds and volunteer on home construction projects throughout March. The effort also coincides with International Women’s Month, highlighting women coming together to support affordable housing and help local families achieve homeownership. Women Build is an annual Habitat initiative that invites women and their supporters to raise funds and take part
Builders FirstSource Supports Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka with $130,000 Donation and Volunteer Home Build
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka announced today a $130,000 contribution from Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR), the nation’s largest supplier of building products and services to the professional market for new residential construction. The donation, which was facilitated through Florida’s Community Contribution Tax Credit Program, will support Habitat’s Florida program and help make affordable homeownership possible for families in Central Florida. In addition to the financial contribution,
The Orlando Magic’s Black History Month Celebration Continues with MLK Week of Service
As part of the Magic’s continuing celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, the team will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his life and legacy, with 11 total volunteer opportunities starting on Tues., Feb. 17. Staff from the Magic, Solar Bears and Osceola Magic will participate in the volunteer opportunities to honor Dr. King's legacy through volunteerism in celebration of Black History Month. A total of approximately 260 staff members from all
FAIRWINDS Foundation Announces Recipients of 2026 Grants
FAIRWINDS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that serves as the philanthropic arm of FAIRWINDS Credit Union, continues its commitment to strategic, mission-driven giving by investing $500,000 for the second consecutive year. Since 2018, the Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million in initiatives focused on financial well-being. The announcement was made today during a celebratory grant reception held at Full Sail Live, bringing together nonprofit partners, community leaders, and FAIRWINDS Credit
Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board Of Directors Grows To 153 Members
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 22, 2026) – The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has announced 29 incoming members to its Executive and Advisory Board of Directors, bringing the total to 153 board members. Incoming members will provide leadership and play a vital role in supporting GO Sports as the organization continues to foster collaboration on innovative ideas and advance its mission of bringing a dynamic calendar of sporting events to Central Florida. This team will offer strategic vision, expert
Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka Welcomes New Leadership to Accelerate Mission in Central Florida
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka announced today an expanded leadership team with the appointment of Ed Schrank as Chief Construction Officer and Lisa Junkerman as Chief Growth Officer. The additions will support and accelerate the affiliate’s continued growth and mission to increase affordable housing access in Central Florida. Schrank brings over 45 years of experience in commercial and residential construction, real estate development, and project management, along with significant work in the
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka Hosts Home Dedication Ceremony Celebrating New Beginnings for Two Local Families
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka hosted a special Home Dedication Ceremony to celebrate the completion of two new affordable homes for two local families. The ceremony brought together Habitat leadership, community partners, elected officials, volunteers, and supporters to mark the moment these families received the keys to their new homes signifying stability, opportunity, and a brighter future. Habitat CEO, Penny Seater welcomed community leaders and guests and emphasized the importance of
Wharton-Smith Gifts $1 Million to Build Legacy Point, A 19-Home Affordable Housing Community, in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka
Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka today announced a historic $1 million investment from Wharton-Smith to transform affordable housing in Central Florida. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka, the Sanford, FL-based construction services firm will help create Legacy Point, a 19-home community designed to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for hardworking, qualifying families. Legacy Point, located in Historic Sanford, represents both a financial contribution and investment
Central Florida Executives Unite on World Habitat Day for Affordable Housing Build
On World Habitat Day, leading Central Florida executives demonstrated their commitment to be part of the solution for affordable housing by joining Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka’s Executive Build 2025 — a flagship fundraising and construction event held on Monday, October 6. The event brought together CEOs and business leaders to help build an affordable home for a deserving local family and raise awareness about the urgent need for affordable housing. View photos from Executive Build
VyStar Brings Back Good is everywhere: Connecting Members and Community Partners Through Purpose
VyStar Credit Union is celebrating its 4th year of Good is everywhere, spotlighting the good that is being done by non-profits across our communities. From September 10–30, individuals across Florida and Georgia will get to experience local non-profits by enjoying free access to 30 cultural, educational and sporting events made possible through community partnerships. Additionally, employees will invest thousands of volunteer hours across partner non-profits throughout the community.“VyStar members are the
AdventHealth Welcomes New Leaders To Apopka And East Orlando Campuses
AdventHealth has named Brad Hillmon as chief executive officer of AdventHealth Apopka and Michael Mewhirter as chief executive officer of AdventHealth East Orlando. As Florida continues to lead the nation in population growth, AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of Orange County communities by strengthening its presence and expanding access to whole-person care through these strategic leadership appointments. Brad Hillmon named AdventHealth Apopka
