Orlando – August 26, 2021 - FusionFest’s MYgration Films Contest randomly pairs 20 filmmakers with 20 Central Floridians on Friday evening, August 27. The filmmakers then have the next five days to get to know their subjects, interview them, gather B-roll footage, edit and submit a three-to-five-minute film.
The films will premiere at the CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12 (formerly Cobb Theatres) in Downtown Orlando as part of the Global Peace Film Festival on October 2 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. During those showings one film will win the “Audience Choice Award” and the right to use a film festival winner laurel.
The next step for the films will be their showing on the big screen on the OUC/Massey Stage at FusionFest in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts during the signature festival November 27 and 28. At the festival a grand prize of $1,000 will be awarded along with several other prizes.
Finally, the films will become part of history being archived at the Orange County Regional History Center and available for FusionFest’s virtual watch party the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., when two or three of the MYgration Films are shown, and conversation with the subjects and filmmakers are included on Facebook Live.
The filmmakers, film subjects, film judges and links to past MYgration Films can be found at FusionFest.org/film2021
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FusionFest is a nonprofit organization with the mission of celebrating the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by educating, sharing stories, collaborating and breaking down barriers of fears and division. Since 2016 a Steering Committee of 40 members with heritages from around the globe meets monthly to shape the project.
Of the roughly 95,000 nonprofits registered in the state of Florida, it would be fair to say that at least half rely, at some level, on fundraising efforts generated from events. The event planning and the nonprofit industries have always gone hand in hand - and both were among the most impacted by COVID. In Florida the nonprofit industry generates an estimated $105 billion annually and employs nearly 630,000 people. With a payroll of about $33 billion, the nonprofit industry employees account for about 6.5 percent of the workforce, the largest sector after construction and manufacturing.
The event planning industry, which is part of the hospitality industry, generates billions of dollars and thousands of jobs - hotels, event venues, catering, staffing, valet, security, decoration, entertainment, event technology, audio visual, floral, rental companies and more! While some events are for celebration a nonprofit event is more than just fun – it’s a valuable revenue generating resource. And in “the biz” we know that there are two key time periods when 90% of all charitable organizations are hosting their fundraising events - Spring Gala Season (March – mid May) and Fall Ball Season (August – mid November).
In Central Florida, over the last 18 months - it’s been inspiring to witness both the event planning and nonprofit industries adapting themselves to changing circumstances and continually readjusting their business models to best manage change. As we are entering Fall Ball Season, I wanted to spotlight just a few of Orlando's biggest events.
We hope you will consider supporting some or all of them either by purchasing a ticket, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, or donating an auction item. They need your help, the sooner you commit the better, and if the event is postponed or cancelled – we hope you will consider leaving your donation with the organization. Just because the event is cancelled – the need doesn’t disappear. Here are just a few of the larger events taking place, but check Google Event Listing to find Orlando area fall nonprofit events priced from free to $1,000 per person -a ticket price for any budget.
Give Kids the World Black and White Gala – September 18, 2021 – Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida Seniors First High Tea and Hats presented by Publix SUPER MARKET Charities - September 12, 2021 - Alfond Inn – Winter ParkKids Beating Cancer Hats and Heroes – September 25, 2001 - Waldorf Astoria OrlandoGreat Gatsby Garden Gala – Celebrating 60 Years Albin Polasek Museum- October 16, 2021 at Albin Polasek MuseumDancing for Diabetes - Presented by Touched By Type 1 - November 13, 2021 - Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts
Central Florida nonprofit, Touched by Type 1 reveals plans for their 21st annual Dancing for Diabetes show to be held on Saturday, November 13th at 7pm at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The annual Dancing for Diabetes Showcase aims to sell out the 2,700 seat Disney Theater for their 21st anniversary show. In 2020, the organization globally broadcast their 20th anniversary show virtually amidst COVID at the Dr. Phillips Center in the Disney Theater.
Tickets go on sale on October 1st and range from $15 to $30 each.
In 2019, the Central Florida nonprofit, Dancing for Diabetes rebranded as Touched by Type 1 rolling out a more comprehensive brand reinforcing their commitment to leading the Type 1 Diabetes conversation in Central Florida, and beyond. The “Dancing for Diabetes” brand stands strong as the name of their signature annual event. The show has raised well over half a million dollars for Type 1 Diabetes research which goes to various well-vetted organizations such as the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami, Florida. Proceeds from the 21st Anniversary event will go to the Diabetes Research Institute and Touched by Type 1
About
Touched by Type 1 is a nonprofit organization based in Central Florida whose mission is to elevate awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and to offer those living with the daily reality of Type 1 Diabetes a supportive community with many interactive programs and creative resources.
Media Contact - Paula Wyatt – Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com- 321 946 6565
VERAX Investments, joined by stakeholders broke ground on July 15th on the VERAX – WG, a high-end professional medical center located at 12301 West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, Florida. The 2-story center will feature multiple medical office spaces to be filled by healthcare professionals specializing in areas related to spinal heath including spinal surgery, physical therapy, and pain management.
VERAX Investments is a real estate investment and development firm located in Orlando, Florida. The new VERAX - WG building is under the management of Orlando Neurosurgery who is a confirmed anchor tenant along with AdventHealth Physical Therapy. The project is a partnership with AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute under the leadership of Craig Brubaker. Lamm & Company Partners is the general contractor for the 24,000 square foot facility which is planned for completion in Spring of 2022. The building was designed by KTH architect and the sale of the property was organized by Ashley Walker, of Millenia Partners.A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 15, 2021, at 9am on the site of the future home of the VERAX – WG, located at 12301 West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, Florida. Shown in the image below from left to right: Jeremy Lamm, Robert Fisher, Ravi Gandhi, Liliana Para, Ashley Walker, David Lamm, (not shown here Javier Miller).About Spine Health from Ravi H. Gandhi, MD – Brain and Spinal Surgeon and Principal of VERAX Investments.Spine and back pain issues are often life changing for patients. Nearly half of all Americans report have back pain and 80% of people will experience a spine related issue at some point in their lives. This spine clinic is to improve the patient experience by incorporating all facets of spine care both surgical and non surgical under one roof.
About Leasing Opportunities at VERAX-WG from Ashley Walker, of Millenia Partners
(Sarasota County, Florida) – Named a “Top 10 Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, Venice is located on Florida's Gulf Coast in the popular and fast-growing Sarasota County. The county has a resident population of 438,816, which increases to about 500,000 when snowbirds are in season. Resort style multifamily communities are a great option for many retirees and new families, alike and that is what Venice Isles has to offer.
Nvision Development and NM Residential, along with general contractor Winter Park Construction (WPC) completed Venice Isles, a luxurious 324-unit, 6-building apartment community located just outside the Venice city limits in unincorporated Sarasota County. In support of new growth, the area will also see two new two state-of-the-art hospitals: Sarasota Memorial Hospital is slated to open in the fall of 2021, and Venice Regional Bayfront Hospital is opening in 2022, bringing additional new residents to Venice.
Venice Isles first building opened in November of 2020, with the final of six buildings becoming available to new residents in May 2021. Venice Isles boasts a gated vehicle entrance and a clubhouse with a Lifestyle Fitness Center, a resort-style pool (with outdoor grills and lounge chairs), and a golf and sports simulator. To take advantage of the year-round warm Florida weather, Nvision incorporated as much green space as possible, including a walking trail around the central pond area and a dog park. An official grand opening and ribbon cutting event was held on May 13th. Venice Isles is at 61.90% leased occupancy as of May 17, 2021.
Venice Isles is the fourth multifamily project Winter Park Construction (WPC), Nvision, and NM Residential have partnered on together. The others include Champions Vue Apartments in Davenport, Serenity at Lake Wales and Orlando’s Vale East Apartments.
An official grand opening and ribbon cutting event was held on May 13th. Shown here left to right front row: Austin Bustamante, Collin Hill, Michael Niederst, Melody Niederst, and Ian McCook.
About Nvision Development
Nvision Development is an Orlando based, full service Real Estate Development Company looking to ensure that our clients, projects, and partners are set up to succeed. Nvision was founded in 2006 and has been involved in almost one billion dollars in projects since inception. Currently, Nvision is developing multifamily apartments, student housing, independent living, assisted living, hotels and mixed used developments throughout Florida and Tennessee.
About WPC
Since 1974, WPC has provided general contractor, pre-construction, construction management and renovation services to Central Florida and the southeast United States. With over $200M in projects set for completion in 2020, WPC provides employment for 140+ full-time employees and thousands of subcontractor positions. With a portfolio rich in many sectors, WPC is currently working on construction projects in the senior housing, student housing, multifamily and hospitality sectors.
About NM Residential
Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, NM Residential is an owner/operator of multifamily residential projects in Ohio, Michigan, and Florida. Throughout the years, NM Residential has adapted seamlessly to everchanging market conditions through continued use of cutting-edge technology and management techniques. NM Residential has stabilized and operated a portfolio of over 10,000 units, with a current (and growing) inventory of over 1,200 units in Florida.
(Polk County, Florida) – Nvision Development and Winter Park Construction (WPC) completed the $55 million Serenity at Lake Wales, a 335-unit community just north of Eagle Ridge Mall. The project is the first new luxury Class-A multifamily community to be built in the municipality since 2005. The development team at Nvision were early to relate the changing demographics in Polk County to the need for luxury multifamily options. Residents began moving in last fall, when WPC delivered initial turnovers to the Maitland-based Nvision Development, and owner/operator NM Residential. With the project now complete, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May7th.
Gene Fultz the Mayor of the City of Lake Wales, in attendance at the event shared, “Nvision Development just raised the city of Lake Wales to a new level! They did a wonderful job on creation of this new community and the City of Lake Wales is grateful for their work.”
Image From Left to Right: Lake Wales Mayor Gene Fultz, Andi Brannon – Citizen’s Bank & Trust – Chamber Member, Jennifer Lopez - Citizen’s Bank & Trust – Chamber Member, Sandra Wolf (orange shirt) - Citizen’s Bank & Trust – Chamber Ambassador, Tonya Stewart – Tonya Stewart Law P.A. – Chamber Member, Larry Bossarte – Interim Chamber President. Back Row: Clarke Gerard (blue shirt), Ewing Blackwelder & Duce Insurance – Board Director, Linda Hayes – American Legion Post 71 – Chamber Ambassador
Serenity at Lake Wales is already at 43.6% leased occupancy and leasing fast. The community consists of thirteen 3-story, walk-up buildings with a mix of one, two and three -bedroom units. Typical units will feature upgraded slate-colored appliances, open floor plans, walk-in closets, granite countertops and faux wood floors. Every unit has either a balcony or a solarium. The 6,500-square-foot resort style clubhouse features a grand club room, a business center, ultra-modern fitness center, screened porch with loungers, a saltwater pool, and an outdoor kitchen and grill.
Developer – Nvision DevelopmentGeneral Contractor - Winter Park Construction Architect - Slocum Platts Architects, PAProperty Management – NM ResidentialLeasing Information – Gloria Otero - 863-279-0100Serenity at Lake Wales is the fourth multifamily project Winter Park Construction (WPC), Nvision, and NM Residential have partnered on together. The others include Champions Vue Apartments in Davenport, Venice Isles Apartments on the gulf coast of Florida and Orlando’s Vale East Apartments.
About Nvision Development
Nvision Development is an Orlando based, full service Real Estate Development Company looking to ensure that our clients, projects, and partners are set up to succeed. Nvision was founded in 2006 and has been involved in almost one billion dollars in projects since inception. Currently, Nvision is developing multifamily apartments, student housing, independent living, assisted living, hotels and mixed used developments throughout Florida and Tennessee.
About NM Residential
Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, NM Residential is an owner/operator of multifamily residential projects in Ohio, Michigan, and Florida. Throughout the years, NM Residential has adapted seamlessly to everchanging market conditions through continued use of cutting-edge technology and management techniques. NM Residential has stabilized and operated a portfolio of over 10,000 units, with a current (and growing) inventory of over 1,200 units in Florida.
About WPC
Since 1974, WPC has provided general contractor, pre-construction, construction management and renovation services to Central Florida and the southeast United States. With over $200M in projects set for completion in 2020, WPC provides employment for 140+ full-time employees and thousands of subcontractor positions. With a portfolio rich in many sectors, WPC is currently working on construction projects in the senior housing, student housing, multifamily and hospitality sectors.
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