Events

 

Special Announcement:

Join Orange Appeal for the 2012 Orlando Women's Conference at The Peabody Orlando on Friday, April 27. This one-day program built around growing and nuturing women leaders features over 30 speakers in different tracks, exhilirationg exhibitor hall, inspiring keynote luncheon and end-of-day power reception. Learn more at www.orlandowomensconference.com.

Special Offer from Fleming’s
Book an event with 15 or more guests by Feb. 13 and hold it anytime in 2012 and you’ll receive a $150 dining certificate. Great for rehearsal dinners, all-day meetings and conferences, special occasions, and wine tastings or cocktail parties. For reservations at the Sand Lake location call 407-352-5706 or at the Winter Park location call 407-699-9463.

Special Announcement from Saks Fifth Avenue
This February, Saks Fifth Avenue will give 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity.  The donations will benefit certain local organizations, keeping support within each Saks Fifth Avenue store's immediate community. The organizations include MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, A Gift for Teaching, The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland and The Mennello Museum of American Art. 

January 19 – February 19

The Orlando Repertory Theatre presents PINKALICIOUS: The Musical. This production will run through Feb. 19 with public performances on Saturdays at noon and 4pm and Sundays at 2pm and 5:30pm. PINKALICIOUS: The Musical is supported by Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Tickets start at $11 and can be purchased by calling 407.896.7365 or online at orlandorep.com.

January 25 – March 18

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents two classic and beloved masterpieces – William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Cymbeline – in rotating repertory. Performances are scheduled Thursday and Friday evenings at 7pm, Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday afternoons at 2pm. Ticket prices range from $15-$38.  Discounts are available for students, active military, and groups. Visit www.orlandoshakes.org for more information.

Thursdays, Beginning February 2
Five writers from across the United States will take part in the 2012 Winter With the Writers, A Festival of the Literary Arts presented by Rollins College. The 2012 season will feature a diverse mix of authors, including three-time Pulitzer Prize-nominee and best-selling novelist Carl Hiaasen. The event is free to all and will take place in Rollins’ College Bush Auditorium on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning Feb. 2. Readings will start promptly at 7:30pm. Parking is available in the SunTrust Garage at no charge. www.rollins.edu.

February 4-25
The New Smyrna Beach gallery, Arts on Douglas will be presenting a celebration of fine jewelry making in an exhibition by Mary Schimpff Webb entitled Open It! An Opening Reception will be held on Feb. 4 from 4 to 7pm. Webb will give an Artists Talk and Enameling demonstration on Feb. 17 at 11am.  Both events are free and open to the public. Learn more at www.artsondouglas.net.

February 4

Race for HOPE (Housing, Outreach, Prevention, Education), a run/walk for families in crisis, kicks off at 8 am at Winter Springs High School. It includes at 5k, Free Fun Run and games for kids. Visit www.hopehelps.org to get information about the event, race packet pick up dates and times, and the registration form! 

Uncle Don’s Chili Cook-off benefitting American Cancer Society features samples of over 20 different types of chili, live music, a children’s area and beer garden at the Downtown Pavilion in historic Winter Garden. The event is  4 to 7pm. Unlimited samples for $5 adults, $2.50 under 18. Call 407.656.4111 or visit www.cwgdn.com for more information.

Citrus Restaurant invites you to join them for the next Wine and Cheese class at 6:30pm hosted by Tonda’s Kitchen. The event is $25; to reserve your space, please call 407-373-0622 or email events@citrusorlando.com.  The event will be featuring the following pairings: Coach Farms Triple Cream Goat Cheese/ White Knight Viognier; Lamb Chopper/Carmel Road Pinot Noir; Die Wilde Hilde (Farm Style Swiss)/Margerum M5 Blend; Pepate/Writers Block Syrah; Moody Blue/14 Hands Merlot.

The Orlando Philharmonic performs two powerful works inspired by nature—Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale”—in a concert held at 8pm at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W Livingston Street, Orlando. Sponsorship for the Super Series is provided by Darden Restaurants Foundation. For tickets, call the Philharmonic box office at 407-770-0071, or visit www.orlandophil.org.

February 7

You’re invited to Central Florida’s Largest Social Gathering 3 UCF Edition. CFLSG 3 is limited to the first 1,500 UCF Alumni or anyone looking to network and support a great cause. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be publicly announced and directly benefit the UCF Alumni Association Excellence Fund. Held at Terrace 390 on the first floor of the Bank of America Building from 5:30 to 11:30pm. $10 in advance ($15 at door).  Email heissam@pressonevents.com for more information.

February 8

Join Lou Frey and Dick Batchelor as they discuss Why Kids Need Civic at the HOT TOPICS Luncheon Program presented by the League of Women Voters Orange County. The lunch will be held at the Sorosis Club, 501 E. Livingston St., from 11:30am to 1pm. Register at www.lwvoc.org/hot_topics.htm.

February 9-11

Fantasy of Flight’s Legends & Legacies Series continues with "They Dared to Fly" in honor of Black History Month. Join several of the original Tuskegee Airmen as they share their personal experiences of wartime military service during segregated America. This event features open-forum/question-and-answer sessions. For more information visit www.fantofflight.com.

February 10

The Associate Board of the Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) invites you Culture & Cocktails, the not-to-be-missed social event for art lovers!  Culture & Cocktails takes place the second Friday of every month until April from 6 to 9pm. Three talented artists, Cherie Dacko, Cake Marques, and Tracy Burke, are featured at February’s event. For additional information on the A&H’s Culture & Cocktails, visitwww.ArtandHistory.org, or phone 407-539-2181. 

February 10-12
Back by popular demand, the Orlando Ballet presents Battle of the Sexes III at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Showtime is 8pm. For tickets call 407-426-1739 or visit www.orlandoballet.org.

February 11

Cochlear Americas present a Free Hearing Health Seminar where attendees will have the opportunity to talk with medical professionals and learn about advanced treatments for severe to profound hearing loss. The event will be held from 8am to 12:30pm at the Hilton Orlando Altamonte Springs. More information and registration at: www.hearinghealthseminar.com or 877-HEAR-THIS (432-7844) toll free.

The Art & History Museums- Maitland proudly presents an enjoyable afternoon for children ages 6 – 12 filled with activities highlighting art, history, and learning at the Children’s Art & History Festival!  The festival is held from 10am to 2pm at the A&H’s Maitland Art Center, 231 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland. Only 60 tickets are available to this afternoon of family fun. To make reservations, visit www.ArtsFestFl.com anytime between Jan. 10-21.

Join A Gift for Teaching for an evening of friendly competition at the School You Brain Bowl Challenge to benefit A Gift for Teaching, helping provide necessary supplies to Central Florida’s teachers and students. You’ll be encouraged to choose sides, and cheer your favorite team on to victory at this silent auction event. Held at 6:30pm at the Orlando Museum of Art. Reserve your ticket by visiting www.agiftforteaching.org.

The Foundation for Seminole State College will celebrate its 28th annual Dream Gala at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. This year, the Dream Gala will feature a raffle for a 2012 Chevy Camaro, graciously donated by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Inc.  Tickets are $100 for one entry or $500 for six entries, with proceeds benefiting Seminole State student scholarships, faculty programs and the College's areas of greatest need. Please contact Miranda Levy-Burrowes at levym@seminolestate.edu or 407-708-3091 to reserve your seat. 

February 11-14                                                                                         
Harbor House wants to Go Violet this Valentine’s Day. All proceeds from the Violets, only $10 each, will directly benefit survivors of domestic abuse living at Harbor House's shelter. These Violets are the perfect Valentine's Day token for your friends, coworkers and family during this heartfelt, special time of year. To order your violets, simply visit www.harborhousefl.com to pre-order them and then visit the Planet Smoothie pickup location nearest you to pick them up between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14.

 

February 12

Join Seniors First at The Peabody Orlando for the 5th Annual High Tea & Hats. Enjoy traditional teatime fare and raise funds for seniors living in Orange and Seminole counties. Honoring Harriett Lake with a Hats Off Award. Emceed by WKMG Channel 6 News Anchor Lauren Rowe. Participate in a stylish hat contest and bid on amazing auction items. For more information contact 407-615-8979 or visit www.seniorsfirstinc.org.

Make a date with your sweetheart!  The merchants of Park Avenue in Winter Park are pleased to host the second annual Valentine Concert in Central Park presented by Boyette, Cummins & Nailos, PLLC. The event will feature the talented Michael Andrew and Swingerhead in a free outdoor concert from to 4 to 6:30pm.

February 15

Jennifer Lee and Carolyn Moor will host Wine on Wednesday, benefitting New Hope for Kids, at Brio in Winter Park Village from 6 to 8pm. To learn more about these events, visit www.newhopeforkids.org.

February 17-19

Council of 101 presents the Antiques, Vintage & Garden Show at the Orlando Museum of Art. Several new events and features will complement the popular traditions of this event, a favorite among collectors. The three-day show will welcome established antique dealers from the eastern United States offering an array of fine antique furniture, paintings, jewelry, oriental rugs, porcelain and vintage collectibles as well as inspiration from expert home and garden designers. For ticket information, please visit www.omart.org or call 407 896-4231.

February 18

The Fabulous Red Shoe Club presents Sizzle 2012, a fashion luncheon featuring fabulous food, guest speakers, comedian, fashion show, champagne, shopping, prizes and more! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Women Playing for T.I.M.E. Held from 11am to 3pm at Leu Gardens. Register online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=784om8iab&oeidk=a07e5hdnc131086ed0d&oseq=a011kgxb9xnii.

The City of Orlando presents the 6th annual Blues B-Q Festival. The fun kicks off at 3pm in front of Amway Center in Downtown Orlando. This FREE event includes live music from the Grammy-nominated group, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., The Lee Boys and other local bands. The event will also feature Orlando’s best, mouthwatering barbeque for purchase.  For more information, log on to www.cityoforlando.net/bluesbq.

Enjoy An Elegance Rediscoveedr: An Evening with Fabulous Friends benefiting the Mennello Museum of American Art. The trend-setting Fashion Show held in October at Neiman Marcus by the Friends of the Mennello was a sold-out success, with funds raised for the upcoming gala at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The annual evening of elegance offers a spectacular dinner, entertainment and a silent and live auction to benefit the Mennello Museum and its programming. This year's gala honors special guest Mayor Buddy Dyer. For tickets and sponsorship, please call 407-246-4278, Ext. 7 or email events@mennellomuseum.com.

February 19

Come stroll down Winter Park’s exclusive Park Avenue as you experience the best that the wedding professionals of Central Florida have to offer the second annual Winter Park Bridal Stroll. This event is presented by CCH Weddings & Events, Maureen Hall Invitations and Michele Butler Events. Preorder tickets: $10 per ticket or 2 for $15. For tickets visit www.facebook.com/winterparkbridalstroll or www.winterparkbridalstroll.com, or by calling 407-832-4814 or emailing cristina@cchmarketing.com.

Don’t forget to stop by Bay Hill Jewelers On Park at the Winter Park Bridal Stroll to register to our Get Engaged contest for a chance to win an engagement ring valued between $10,000-$15,000. For more info and official rules visit our website at www.bayhilljewelers.com. Winner will be announced at 3pm during the Bridal Stroll event.

Founded in 1927 by former Rollins College President Hamilton Holt, Animated Magazine contributors, including former U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins, former congressman and director of the CIA Porter Goss, will present their ideas to a live audience as part of Rollins College Winter Park Institute’s spring schedule of speakers. Held at 3pm at Rollins College, Mary Jean Mitchell Plaza. Visit www.rollins.edu/wpi for more information.

February 21

Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s Bard’s Board Barristers present their annual mock trial on Tuesday, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Based on William Shakespeare’s (and Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of) Romeo and Juliet, this lively event will explore whether Friar Laurence is legally culpable for the untimely deaths of Juliet and Romeo. The evening will start at 5:30pm with drinks, hor d’oeurves and mingling. Please visit www.orlandoshakes.org for more information or tickets.

February 29

Tony Award winner Roger Rees will perform his one-man show, What You Will: An Evening By and About the Bard in a special appearance at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF at 7pm. Best known to American audiences for roles on Cheers and The West Wing, Roger Rees won both the Olivier and Tony Awards for his performance as the lead character in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Tickets are available by calling 407-447-1700 or online at www.orlandoshakes.org.

March 2

Strap on your sexiest stilettos or slip into your prettiest pumps for A Pair to Remember,  a luncheon and auction to benefit Easter Seals Florida. The event features a fabulous selection of spring shoes pairs, paired with other items to create luxurious auction packages. This year’s event will be held in the Mall at Millenia Grand Court from 11am to 2pm. For more information visit www.fl.easterseals.com.

March 9

The 3rd Annual Golf for H.O.P.E. Tournament will take place at the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando Golf Club. Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, hole-in-one competition, attendance prizes, performance awards, beverages and lunch, and awards cocktail reception. Register by Feb. 26 at www.hopetolive.com.

March 10

Join the National MS Society, Mid Florida Chapter for their annual Walk MS at Lake Eola Park on the corner of North Eola Drive and Robinson Avenue. There will be one-mile and 2.34-mile walks, fully accessible and fun for the entire family.  Register to walk as an individual, join a team or create a team. Registration is 8 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 9am. Contact 407-478-8882 ext. 28 or visit www.midfloridamswalks.org.

This year, the Junior League of Greater Orlando will host its first March Madness-inspired charity gala, Hoops for Hunger. The evening promises such entertainment as music and dancing under the palms of Terrace390’s magnificent outdoor patio, basketball-themed carnival games, and bidding on sought-after silent auction items, all while viewing live coverage of the NCAA conference tournament. This event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased by calling (407) 422-5918 or by visiting www.jlgo.org.

UCP of Central Florida presents its 19th Annual Gala: An Evening at the Palace at the Buena Visit Palace Hotel & Spa from 5:30 to 10pm. Hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Cheryl Hines, guests will enjoy a fabulous four-course dinner, open bar, and incredible silent and live auctions. For more information visit www.ucpgala.com.

March 14

Join Co-chairs, Karen Dee, Florida Regional President of Fifth Third Bank; Helen Donegan, Vice President of Community Relations for UCF; and Central Florida's most influential women for United Way's 5th Annual Women's Leadership Luncheon. Come be inspired by keynote speaker, Kathy Ireland, and meet other community leaders who are making a difference at 11:30am at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway. For sponsorship or corporate table information, please call . 407-429-2111 or email WomensLeadership@hfuw.org.

March 15

Celebrating 50 years of the Morning Star School, the Golden Anniversary Fashion Show, Luncheon & Silent Auction will combine iconic moments of the past with the best contemporary fashions of today supplied by a select group of Orlando’s most stylish retailers: Bella, John Craig, Current, continuum, Lilly Pulitzer, Tuni, Violet Clover and The Collection – Bridal. Held at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, seating is limited. For ticket information call 321-296-7656 or email Morningstar.info@gmail.com.

The 5th Annual Orlando Walk for Wishes will be held in Downtown Orlando at Lake Eola from 6 to 9pm. Teams will compete to see who can raise the most money to grant the wishes of chidren with life-threatening medical conditions through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages, games, prizes and giveaways, and entertainment. For more information contact Anne McMonagle at amcmonagle@wishcentral.org or call 407-622-4673. Sign up at http://orlandowalk.wishcentral.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1000741.

March 16

The 5th Annual Diplomat’s Reception brings together residents of Central Florida and representative from around the globe for one important reason: to raise awareness and support for the end of international violence against women. The elegant evening, held poolside at the Waldorf-Astoria at 7pm, directly benefits Harbor House of Central Florida. Register and learn more at www.harborhousefl.com.

March 23

Join in for the 4th Annual Fiddler’s Green 5k, a fun run/walk to support Special Olympics Florida and the Winter Park YMCA Scholarship Fund. Receive a free t-shirt and pint of beer!  Registration begins at 7:30am at Mead Gardens. To register and for more information visit: www.firstgiving.com/fids5k/2012.

March 23 - 25
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes invites guests to learn from the expertise of the The Ritz-Carlton Team through cooking school session. The Farm to Fork session will be offered in an exclusive overnight package, including deluxeaccommodations, wine dinner for two, cooking class for two and late checkout. To reserve, call 800-576-5760 and use code "ZZLO."

March 24

Rock out to Grammy nominated country recording group Little Big Town at the 19th Annual Hearts of Gold gala at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando. Benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless, the event also features receptions in the Art Bar and Lennon Room, and a silent auction of must-have items. Visit www.centralfloridahomeless.org/events_hearts.html for more information or tickets.

March 30-31

The Orange County Regional History Center in welcomes families to its first-ever Family Night at the Museum with food, fun, contests, and prizes. The camp-in begins at 6pm on Friday, March 30, and ends at 8am on Saturday, March 31. Families must bring their own sleeping bags. Members: $10 per person; non-members: $15 per person. Free parking; admission to the museum on Saturday, March 31, included. Please call 407-836-8580 to register.

March 31

Winter Springs Police Department and Oviedo Police Department is hosting a fun afternoon of food and football at the 4th Annual Cops for Kids Flag Football Game at Oviedo High School to benefit Kids House. This year's game will held at Oviedo High School and kickoff is at 12:30pm. To purchase tickets in advance, please contact Marcie Dearth by phone (407) 324-3036 x237 or email dearth@kidshouse.org

Heathrow Women’s Club will be hosting its annual fundraising gala at 6:30 p.m. at the Heathrow Country Club. The theme of evening’s festivities is “Noche de Flamenco.”  In addition to dinner, dancing and a silent auction, the well-known Flamenco de Sol Dance Company will perform for your enjoyment. Tickets are $100 per person (Cocktail Attire).  For advance tickets call:  407.804.1860 or 407.829.6562. 

Join the Central Florida Women’s League at their 2nd Annual Taste of Windermere at The Pines. Enjoy restaurant samplings, great wines, music and dancing. All to benefit Central Florida charities and scholarships for deserving community scholars. Starting at 6pm, visit www.cfwl.org to purchase tickets.

March 31 – April 1
The tradition continues as more than 20,000 foodies and wine lovers experience unique local cuisine paired with wines from around the globe at the Downtown Food & Wine Fest at Lake Eola. The two-day Fest features mouth-watering dishes from 40 of Orlando's premier restaurants, domestic and international wines, and live entertainment. For more information, visit www.DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com.

April 13

The 3rd Annual Make-A-Wish Golf Classic will be hosted at the beautiful and challenging Champions Gate golf course. The day includes a morning of golf, silent auction bidding, special giveaways, breakfast, lunch and prizes. For more information contact Anne McMonagle at 407-622-4673 or at events@wishcentral.org.

April 13-22

The Florida Film Festival celebrates 21 years by promising the best in current independent and foreign fims. With over 160 cutting-edge films, 100 visiting filmmakers, plenty of special guests, and non-stop events, this festival will do everything to ensure 10-days of Film, Food, and Fun. Learn more at www.floridafilmfestiva.com.

April 14

Get to know Oviedo businesses, talented locals and other residents celebrating the city's traditions and uniqueness. The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce's 18th annual Taste of Oviedo will feature local food, vendors, businesses, children's activities as well as great entertainment. This free event will be held from 11am to 7pm at the Oviedo Mall. Visit www.tastaofoviedo.org for more information.

April 29

Pointe Orlando invites you to enjoy samplings of food from award-winning restaurants amidst equally delectable ambiance. Come relax and savor an afternoon full of delights at the Taste of Pointe Orlando from 2 to 5pm. All proceeds benefit the Florida Hospital Esophageal Cancer Program. Please visit: www.PointeOrlando.com or contact Pamela Sain at:Pamela.Sain@gmail.com for more details including ticket sales ($30) and sponsorship opportunities. For additional information on how this event was inspired please visit www.JacksCourse.com.

**Please e-mail brief event info to events@orangeappeal.com for publication consideration.