Community Bulletin and Business Briefs

Community Bulletin

The Winter Park Economic Development/CRA Department was proud to organize the first Annual Holiday Window Display Competition. Twenty five Park Avenue and Hannibal Square merchants transformed their storefronts into holiday works of arts. The contest was judged in two different categories, “Design Excellence Award” and “People’s Choice Award”. The winner for both categories was Bella, located on 329 N. Park Ave. Their display used 7,000 lights, 400 yards of ribbon and 700 ornaments. Staff spent a total of 600 hours putting it together.

Each year on Thanksgiving morning, thousands of residents participate in the Turkey Trot, a 5K (3.1 miles) run/power walk and Tot Trot. The 2010 race drew more than 5,300 participants to downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola — a 4,000 increase from last year. Race proceeds benefit Seniors First. For more information, visit www.seniorsfirstinc.org

Federal Trust Bank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of its newly relocated Winter Park branch at 1500 Lee Road, Winter Park, just west of U.S. Highway 17-92. Local leaders attended, including City Commissioner Carolyn Cooper, Winter Park Chamber President Patrick Chapin and Federal Trust Bank President and CEO Dennis Ward.

Rollins College hosted its biannual “Pathways to College Day” for Fern Creek Elementary, an event designed to inspire and educate young students on the importance of education. Nearly 170 children, kindergarten through second grade, attended a variety of science-related classes that feature “college” activities geared for elementary students. More than 50 faculty, staff and student volunteers assisted with the event. Rollins has been a long-term partner at Fern Creek Elementary since 2001.

Florida Opera Theatre opened the season on Saturday, Dec. 4, with a Musical Holiday Evening at the home of Kathy and Steve Miller of Winter Park. Frank McClain was introduced to an approving audience as the new Artistic Director of Florida Opera Theatre, and from that point forward, he served as Master of Ceremonies for this three-part musical evening.

Members of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association reported an increase in the number of home-sale contracts they filed in November, with 3,243 newly filed contracts topping last November’s tally of 3,023 by 7.28 percent. The area’s pending sales statistic — like new contracts — is also an indicator of future sales activity. A total of 8,998 homes are currently under contract and awaiting closing. This number is also an increase (of 4.23 percent) over the 8,633 homes that were under contract in November 2009. For detailed statistical reports, please visit www.orlrealtor.com and click on “Housing Statistics” on the top menu bar.

Business Briefs

Helen Donegan was selected to lead the American Heart Association’s Workplace Giving campaign for the organization’s Orlando Division. Donegan will spearhead the initiative, while also serving on the board of directors during the association’s 2010-2011 fiscal year. Donegan, vice president of community relations for the University of Central Florida, is a longtime volunteer of the organization.

Orlando Health has received the "Employer of Choice" award from Employer of Choice International, Inc., a certifying body that recognizes employers for their extraordinary human resources practices.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announced that it has received a grant from The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). This is the OMA's first grant from The PNC Foundation.

The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is helping by donating a $30,000 grant to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Central Florida. Thirty-five thousand dollars is equivalent to nearly 150,000 meals. High levels in unemployment and challenging economic times are making it harder for families to provide for themselves. A recent study by the USDA shows that hunger affects more than 116 million households in the United States, including about 7.4 million in Florida. The research showed proved that food shortages affect all people, individuals and families, the young and elderly in all communities.