Windermere resident hikes 3,000 miles … and more neighborhood news!

Dr. Phillips

I’m in. Events. and Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation representatives are gearing up to co-host more than 800 supporters from all over Central Florida and beyond for Black and White Weekend. The event was first envisioned in 2000 in an intensive care unit hospital bed when a near-fatal case of pneumonia almost claimed the life of entrepreneur, philanthropist, University of Central Florida Hall of Famer, and Dr. Phillips resident Heissam Jebailey. Immediately prior to a miracle surgery that cured him, Heissam envisioned black and white colors, as well as making it out of surgery alive, to host a big event for family and friends while giving back to the community. The ninth annual Black and White Weekend for Charity and Wellness will take place from May 11-12, 2018. Admission is $45 in advance and $60 at the door, if not sold out, with access to the entire weekend. The cost includes food and drink specials, music, a photo booth, ongoing entertainment and more. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit blackandwhiteweekend.com.


Red Lobster Seafood Co. President and Dr. Phillips resident Salli Setta, pictured with Abraham Pizam of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality, is inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Dr. Phillips resident Salli Setta, president of Red Lobster Seafood Co., was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame by UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management at The Pineapple Ball, alongside John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse. The Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame annually honors a distinguished group of leaders for their outstanding service and commitment to the hospitality industry. Salli was recognized for her contributions to two major Central Florida-based restaurant companies: Red Lobster, now privately owned, and Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, which is part of Darden Restaurants. Currently president of Red Lobster, Salli leads operations, marketing and culinary departments for more than 700 restaurants in North America. In her current role and during her 15-year tenure with Olive Garden, she has received numerous industry awards and led significant advancements for both brands. She serves on the board of the Women’s Foodservice Forum and actively shares her knowledge to help others develop in their careers through speaking engagements.

Gotha

The Ready Set Dance competition team wears “I Dance For Rachel” shirts at the DanceMakers Inc. competition to support team member Rachel Bruning (front, center).

The competition team from Ready Set Dance in Gotha competed in the DanceMakers Inc. competition and convention in Daytona Beach. Team members and families sported yellow ribbons and “I Dance For Rachel” shirts to support Rachel Bruning, who was diagnosed with cancer four months ago. Rachel was able to compete that weekend and is thankful for the team spirit and love shown to her by her teammates.

MetroWest

MetroWest Master Association members hosted the sixth annual WinterFest at the MetroWest Golf Club. The free, family-friendly event featured the holiday movie Shrek the Halls shown on a big screen on the golf green. There was also a Shrek slide and donkey rides for children, an ice-skating rink, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Chick-fil-A’s Santa cow and baby cow, and photo opportunities with a life-sized snow globe. Holiday-themed performances were by Perfect Pointe Productions and MetroWest Elementary School, and local food trucks provided bites to eat for attendees. The event benefited Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a nonprofit residential program for boys and girls ages 6-17 to address and overcome behavioral issues in a positive, safe environment.

Phillips Landing

(L. to r.) Devendra Kahlon, M.D.; Kudrit Riana Kahlon; Southwest residents Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Rep. Val Demings; and Harpreet Kahlon, M.D., and Suchait Kahlon gather at the Kahlon’s Phillips Landing home to endorse Sheriff Demings as Orange County mayor.

Drs. Harpreet and Devendra Kahlon co-hosted Rep. Val Demmings and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, as well as several prominent members of the local Sikh community, in their Phillips Landing home. The gathering raised funds to endorse Sheriff Demings as Orange County mayor.

Sterling Pointe

Robert “Bobby” Olszewski (far right) of Sterling Pointe is sworn into the Florida House of Representatives by Paul Henry (far left), rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. He is joined by (l. to r.) Mother Rosie Olszewski of Orange Tree holding daughter Reagan and wife Allison.

Sterling Pointe resident Robert “Bobby” Olszewski was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in a special election representing House District 44. Rep. Olszewski was sworn in on election night and headed directly to Tallahassee to attend the legislative committee weekly meetings. He also was given committee assignments by Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran. Rep. Olszewski represents District 44 on the Government Accountability Committee, as well as the Pre K-12 Appropriations; Careers and Competition; and Local, Federal and Veteran Affairs subcommittees.

Windermere

Windermere resident Shane Johnson, founder of the Booyah Veteran Bus Project, hikes from Orlando to California to raise awareness for veterans who are homeless or in transition.

During the Hike Across America, powered by Clean the World and Booyah Veteran Bus Project, Shane Johnson of Windermere traveled more than 3,000 miles (22 miles every day) in 65 days from Orlando to California to raise awareness for veterans experiencing homelessness and veterans in transition. The 22-mile intervals represented the number of veterans that commit suicide every day. Clean the World partnered with Shane, founder of Booyah Veteran Bus Project, to distribute a total of 10,000 hygiene kits to veterans in need at 20 different city stops along his journey. Veteran hygiene kits are specialized with items specifically with veterans in mind: two bars of soap, repurposed shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, shaving cream, a razor, comb, socks and an inspirational notecard. The veterans were also connected with counselors, pastors and organizations in their local communities to provide them with the support needed to transition to civilian life and into the workforce.

Windsor Hill

Windsor Hill resident and Olympia High School alumna Analisa Sorrells is inducted into Phi Beta Kappa at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most honored college honorary society, inducted 165 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students as new members. Among the inductees was Windsor Hill resident and Olympia High School alumna Analisa Sorrells. Phi Beta Kappa membership is open to undergraduates in the college and professional degree programs who meet stringent eligibility requirements. Past and present Phi Beta Kappa members from across the country have included 17 American presidents, 40 U.S. Supreme Court justices, and more than 130 Nobel laureates. Analisa is the daughter of proud parents Tom and Mitra Sorrells.

Winter Garden

About 20,000 residents and visitors took part in 11 hours of simultaneous, continuous entertainment at last month’s Winter Garden Music Fest. More than 25 musical acts performed for audiences of all ages, from Beauty and the Beast shows by Pinocchio’s Marionette Theatre, theater troupe Phantasmagoria, a magician, African storytelling and music to show-stopping bands highlighting the main event — the Jonnie Morgan Band, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, the SH-Booms, Beebs and Her Money Makers, and Switch. Attendees also had an opportunity to sample a variety of local food and craft beer.

Et Al

Steve Clapp (left), president of the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips, presents the prestigious Paul Harris Award to Paul and Susan Paulikas (center) for their outstanding contributions. They are joined by Dave Lehman, director of the many other foundation programs for the club.


President/CEO of International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwest resident Maria Triscari (left) and John Stine, general manager of I-Drive 360 and 2017 I-Drive Chamber, co-present Southwest resident and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs with the Visionary Leadership Award.

Southwest Orlando resident and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs was recognized by the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce with the Visionary Leadership Award during IDRACC’s 30th anniversary Awards Luncheon held at the Orange County Convention Center. Under Mayor Jacobs’ leadership, the I-Drive corridor has expanded and developed during the past eight years — during her time as mayor and when she previously served two terms as an Orange County commissioner. In the past year, more than 89,000 square feet of commercial space was added to the area, including 223 hotel rooms and the opening of two attractions.

 

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