Mayor Jacobs and others holding a large check

Late-Night Humor Highlights Orange County’s Fundraising Success of $612,205 for Heart of Florida United Way

Community & Services

Orange County Government employees gathered on Nov. 15, 2018 to celebrate the completion of another successful Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) fundraising campaign at the County’s annual Victory Celebration at the Renaissance Senior Center in east Orange County. This year, County employees raised a total of $612,205 for the local nonprofit, again surpassing its $500,000 fundraising goal.

Since 1939, HFUW has been at the forefront of health and human care services in the Central Florida region. With a goal targeted toward finding a way to prevent problems affecting the community, HFUW is dedicated to focusing on education, income, health and basic needs.

This year, event coordinators took inspiration from the excitement demonstrated by employees during the fundraising season, creating an interactive “late-night talk show” for guests complete with music, comedy segments, interviews and a few surprises for the audience.

“Each year, the campaigns are even more energetic and the motivation to raise money is even greater,” Mayor Jacobs said. “I have looked forward to this event each year not only because it showcases Orange County’s neighbors helping neighbors philosophy, but also because it celebrates the crucial resources United Way provides to our community. This year’s theme was a wonderful surprise and I am so proud of the great work our Orange County family accomplished.”

Every year, HFUW gives Orange County employees an opportunity to give back to the community. The Orange County HFUW Executive Steering Committee, departments and constitutional offices organized more than 100 events since the beginning of the fundraising campaign in June 2018, including luncheons, bake sales, golf tournaments and Orange County Fire Rescue’s 343 Hero Challenge.

Orange County departments recognized for their fundraising efforts include:

  • 5th Place: Corrections raised $54,268
  • 4th Place: Sheriff’s Office raised $57,264
  • 3rd Place: Community Environmental and Development Services raised $69,024
  • 2nd Place: Utilities raised $88,070
  • 1st Place: County Administration raised $100,302

“Orange County Government and United Way share a similar culture of service and strive to serve residents with transparency and professionalism,” Orange County Community, Environmental and Development Services Director and HFUW campaign chair Jon Weiss said. “Today’s event is the direct result of thousands of hard working and dedicated employees who understand the impact that compassion can have on a community.”

Photo Caption: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) President and CEO Jeff Hayward join the Orange County HFUW Executive Steering Committee to celebrate the success of the 2018 HFUW fundraising campaign on Nov. 15, 2018 at the Renaissance Senior Center in east Orange County.

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