- April 24, 2024
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A woman with an elaborate champagne dress wandered the reception offering drinks to attendees.
A woman with an elaborate champagne dress wandered the reception offering drinks to attendees.
A caricature artist awed participants with his creative and humorous creations.
Live music flowed throughout the reception hall from a passionate violinist.
Attendees enjoyed a photo booth presented by Orlando Health.
Kaylie Dawson and Elix Castillo enjoyed cocktails before the start of the awards ceremony.
Monica Marlow, Joseph McMullen and Vida Addison enjoyed the reception hour together.
Servers from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts wandered the reception offering delicate bites to participants.
Community members came together to enjoy the annual awards ceremony.
Peter Wieser and Abby Marchetti attended the awards ceremony together.
Stina D’Uva, President and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, welcomed everyone to the dinner before presenting the awards with an emotional introductory speech.
Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World, addressed attendees before dinner time started.
Orlando Health mascot, Scrubs, was excited to hear his introduction to the audience by Maggie Bonko, Vicepresident of Orlando Health and President of the Horizon West Hospital and Reunion village Free Standing Emergency Department.
Stina D’Uva presented the 2022 Lifetime Ambassador Award to Jim Densmore, who was deeply touched by the recognition.
Stina D’Uva presented the 2022 Lifetime Ambassador Award to Jim Densmore, who was deeply touched by the recognition.
J.T. McWalters, 2022 Chairman of WOCC and SVP of Global Partnerships at Orlando Magic, presented the awards during the evening.
The 2022 Mary Vandeventer “Spirit of West Orange” Award recipient, Landra Wormack, with J.T. McWalters and John McReynolds, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Chairman and SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando.
The big business member of the year award was given to Thermo King of Southeast.
George Bailey Award recipient Kristi Gomen with J.T. McWalters and John McReynolds, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Chairman and SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando.
Bert Roper Award recipient Shepherd’s Hope pose after receiving the award with J.T. McWalters and John McReynolds, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Chairman and SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando.
Co-recipients of the Chairman’s Award, Town of Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark and Ocoee City Manager Rob Frank, with J.T. McWalters and John McReynolds, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Chairman and SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando.
The team members of Computer Business Consultants with J.T. McWalters and John McReynolds, West Orange Chamber of Commerce Chairman and SVP of External Affairs at Universal Orlando, after receiving the Small Business Member of the Year Award.
The West Orange County business community gathered at the Disney’s Yacht Club Friday, Jan. 27, to witness the 2023 Big Orange Awards hosted by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.
The “black and white with a splash of color” evening featured myriad activities and diverse entertainment such as models with extravagant attire, an open bar, live music and appetizers, among others. Attendees were able to mingle during the cocktail hour that took place prior to dinner time and the awards presentation.
The sponsors of the evening were the following: platinum sponsor, Walt Disney World; presenting sponsor, Orlando Health; premier sponsor, AdventHealth; event sponsor, Duke Energy; presentation sponsor, Healthy West Orange; video production sponsor, Bindra Productions; photography sponsor, Author Brand Studio; and centerpiece sponsor, Florida Blue.
Sam Hovsepian Award: This award is usually given to a man “who demonstrates excellence in his profession and inspires other men to succeed, (contributing) time and talent for the betterment of the chamber and community.” Previous recipients include Tim Haberkamp, Joseph McMullen, JoAnne Quarles and Russ Salerno.
Mary Vandeventer “Spirit of West Orange” Award: This award is given to a woman “who demonstrates her profession and inspires other women to succeed, (contributing) time and talent for the betterment of the community.” Previous recipients of the award include GeeGee Burmeister, Pam Gould, JoAnne Quarles, Lynetta Tipton Steed and Lynn Walker Wright.
George Bailey Award: This award recognizes “demonstrated excellence in fostering partnerships for the benefit of the local community.” Previous recipients of the award include Joe Dunn, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Heichel Plumbing and Chick-fil-A.
Bert Roper Award: This award recognizes a “champion who improved the well-being and quality of life of (the) community.” Past Recipients of the award include West Orange Healthcare District and Matthew’s Hope.
Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award: This award recognizes the “entrepreneurial tenacity and steadfast determination that facilitates opportunity through investment in community and lifelong relationships that keep our future bright.” Past recipients of this award include JoAnne Quarles, Russ Salerno and Lynn Walker Wright.
Chairman’s Award: This award recognizes “individuals who have given exceptional service to the chamber and the community during the previous year.” Previous recipients of the award include Commissioner Bakari Burns, Mayor Jerry Demings, Jim Densmore, Duke Energy, Pam Gould, Dawn Gilmore, Betsy VanderLey and the University of Central Florida.
