Erika Spence: Business in the Park

Feed the Need Month

Hunger is a solvable problem. In 2013 and 2014, Feed the Need Winter Park raised $100,000 in three weeks to help fight hunger in our community. However, the need continues to be great. Today one in four children suffers from hunger in Central Florida. In response, the Winter Park community is renewing its effort to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in a 20-day campaign beginning Nov. 2.

This campaign is unlike traditional food drives. Feed the Need, presented by Florida Distributing Company, Mayflower Retirement Community and Winter Park Memorial Hospital, is an unprecedented community-wide initiative that raises money for the local food bank.

Earlier this week Mayor Steve Leary proclaimed November as “Feed the Need” Month in the city of Winter Park, and you can help keep the momentum going. Visit feedtheneedwp.org to get involved as a Community Champion. You can start a team, host an event or donate online.

The Feed the Need campaign will officially kick-off on Monday, Nov. 2, at City Hall with campaign partners, including city of Winter Park, Rollins College, Sodexo, Think Creative and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The campaign will unite local residents, businesses, faith communities and civic groups through online giving, friendly competitions, community events and individual fundraising efforts, with one mission in mind: to feed the need.

Throughout November a variety of events and special shopping promotions will benefit the campaign at local stores, including: The Ancient Olive (Nov. 4), Full Circle Yoga (Nov. 8), Shake Shack (Nov. 11) and Alex and Ani (Nov. 15).

To keep up with these and other opportunities to support the effort, ‘like’ the campaign on Facebook at facebook.com/feedtheneedwinterpark.

Happy Hour for Hunger

To round out your fall calendar, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Winter Park Village to host Happy Hour for Hunger on Nov. 19. Join business owners and community leaders for a fall-themed happy hour presented by Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The event features live music by Emily Kopp, food, drinks and a fun photo booth. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door with all proceeds benefitting Feed the Need. Tickets and event details can be found online at winterpark.org or at the Winter Park Welcome Center.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.