2015 O-Town MacDown Tickets Available Now

O-Town Mac Down Logo Give Kids the World Village

Tickets for the 2015 O-Town MacDown, tickets and participation will be benefiting Give Kids the World Village, are available now!

The O-Town MacDown is a creative mac-n-cheese cooking competition, held between local professional chefs and restaurants.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Osceola Heritage Park’s Exhibit Hall, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., this family-oriented event will include activities for kids, continuous stage entertainment, assorted vendor booths, and, of course, delicious mac-n-cheese.

httpv://youtu.be/FARS9anP3zA

The event will include:

  • All-you-can-eat Mac-n-Cheese!
  • Live Entertainment
  • Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations
  • Kids’ Fun Zone including face painting, macaroni art station and character meet-and-greets
  • Vendor Booths
  • Free Parking

Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance for the O-Town MacDown! Tickets are $10 for Adults (or $15 at the door) and $5 for Kids (or $10 at the door).

You can find out even more about the 2015 O-Town MacDown, and even learn how to be involved by visiting their site.

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Krispy Kreme Partners With The Salvation Army To #StuffTheBus

Krispy Kreme Stuff the Bus

Krispy Kreme and The Salvation Army Partner to #StuffTheBus to Benefit Central Florida Students
Annual School Supply Drive Now – August 16, 2015

Krispy Kreme has partnered once again with The Salvation Army to make going back-to-school a little sweeter for local families in need, and I was honored to be there for the kick-off event at the Krispy Kreme Millenia location.

“Krispy Kreme is honored to have the opportunity to help hundreds of students make a fun and easy transition back-to-school,” says Jenny Bellanca, vice president of operations for Florida Family Foods LLC. “The timing is perfect as supporters can take advantage of Florida’s extended back-to-school tax holiday, which will run for 10 days from August 7 through 16, to purchase donations.”

The way the #StuffTheBus works is really simple!

Krispy Kreme Stuff the Bus Flyer

Bring in a single school supply item to donate, and you will receive one FREE Original Glazed® doughnut and one FREE Original Glazed® dozen for each donation of a backpack that contains school supplies.

The supplies will be presented to The Salvation Army and distributed to youth in need through local social service programs.

Krispy Kreme Stuff the Bus  The Salvation Army

New school supplies (including notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, scissors, crayons, markers, glue, rulers, and hand sanitizer) will be accepted from now through August 16 at the following Central Florida Krispy Kreme locations:

Krispy Kreme Winter Park – Drive thru Open 24 hours

1031 S. Orlando Avenue (17-92), Winter Park, FL  32789

In partnership with The Salvation Army – Orlando Area Command

Krispy Kreme Millenia– Open 24 hours

4080 Millenia Blvd., Orlando, FL 32939

In partnership with The Salvation Army – Orlando Area Command

Krispy Kreme Kissimmee– Open 24 hours

5310 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

(192 / Mile Marker 11.5), Kissimmee, FL  34746

In partnership with The Salvation Army of Kissimmee & Osceola

“We are very excited to be working with Krispy Kreme again this year!” said Major Ted Morris, III, CEO of The Salvation Army – Orlando Area Command. “The Salvation Army has a wonderful relationship with Krispy Kreme right here in Orlando and it is a blessing to have their support. We will be able to help a lot of young children as they prepare to go back to school, and if you ask me, that’s truly wonderful!”

While you’re there, make sure that you check out the Limited Time Birthday Cake Chiller which is magical and perfect on a hot summer day!

Krispy Kreme Stuff the Bus Birthday Cake Chiller
The magical Birthday Cake Chiller

And don’t forget the Birthday Cake Batter Doughnut and Brownie Batter Doughnut. You won’t regret giving these a try!

Krispy Kreme Stuff the Bus Batter Doughnuts
Limited Time Only Birthday Cake Batter and Brownie Batter Doughnuts

Stay connected with Krispy Kreme at KrispyKreme.com, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, HotLightApp.com, and Krispy Kreme on Tumblr.

Krispy Kreme Ghostbusters Halloween Doughnuts

About Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937.  Krispy Kreme is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Krispy Kreme has more than 1,000 retail shops in 24 countries. Krispy Kreme is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KKD). For more information about Krispy Kreme, visit KrispyKreme.com.

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Give Kids The World Village Auction Items Available

unnamed

Exciting Auction Items Available

Friends and supporters of Give Kids The World Village, an exciting selection of auction items have been donated and are available for bidding! This is a great opportunity to treat yourself or a loved one, while also benefiting the children and families we serve at the Village.

To participate, please go to Give Kids the World Auction Site and bid online through Friday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Here are a few things you need to know:

  • To bid, go to “My Bids” and click “Register here” in the bottom right corner. Please have your name, telephone number, address, email, and credit card information ready, as they are required for bidding.

  • All winning auction items will be available to pick up at Give Kids The World Village. If you are not local to GKTW, shipping is available.

Please feel free to share this information with friends and family and encourage them to participate. Thank you for your ongoing support of Give Kids The World Village! Good luck and happy bidding!

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2015 Give Kids The World Village Gingerbread Run Medal Revealed

Have you seen the 2015 Give Kids the World Village Gingerbread Run Medal?

For those of you who missed our Gingerbread Run Medal Reveal … here it is!

Give Kids the World Village Gingerbread Run Medal

All runners and virtual runners will receive this one-of-a-kind 2015 Gingerbread Run Medal to commemorate their participation in this awesome event!

New Give Kids the World Village Gingerbread Run Contest!

For every $25 you raise between now and June 2, you will receive one entry for thechance to win a two-night stay at the Clarion Suites Maingate. Conveniently located just outside Walt Disney World, the Clarion Suites Maingate is perfect for a staycation, or to use when you’re in town for the Gingerbread Run. Every additional $25 you raise increases your chance of winning, so kick your fundraising into high gear! Good luck!

Give Kids the World Village Gingerbread Run 2015
Where do I start? Register today to get in on the action! Check out our Tools and Tips page to see helpful fundraising ideas.

Thank you for being a part of our team at Give Kids The World Village, Where Happiness Inspires Hope.

Give Kids the World Village Gingerbread Run

Online donations received between Tuesday, May 19 and Tuesday, June 2, 2015 are eligible for additional entries.

Official contest rules can be found here.Prize was donated to Give Kids The World Village. Drawing will be held at 10am EST on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.

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Give Kids The World Village Black & White Gala

Give Kids The World Village Black & White Gala Highlights Orlando Social Calendar

Annual event attracts thousands to Central Florida, including celebrities

Give Kids The World Village’s (GKTW) annual Black & White Gala will feature gourmet food, world-class entertainment and best of all, the chance for attendees to help children with life-threatening illnesses. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the event has become one of Central Florida’s most popular social events on the calendar, directly helping make more than 7,400 wishes come true every year.

In addition to a fabulous evening of food and entertainment, a silent auction will be included featuring vacation packages, artwork, sporting event experiences and much more. Attendees will be able to bid on items using smart phones or tablets, making it easier to participate in the auction process.

“Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, but it also is a time for us to pause and say thank you to so many friends, supporters and partners who make this great organization so wonderful,” said Pamela Landwirth, President of GKTW Village. “Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to welcome new individual and corporate friends to this year’s Gala so we can continue to make our Village a place where happiness inspires hope.”

httpv://youtu.be/_ci3_xXx98c

For more information about Give Kids The World Village and its Black & White Gala, visit http://www.gktw.org/gala/.

 

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Give Kids the World Village Annual Gala

Give Kids the World Village

Give Kids The World Village’s Black & White Gala Highlights Orlando Social Calendar

Annual event attracts thousands to Central Florida, including celebrities

Give Kids the World Village Gala

Give Kids The World Village’s (GKTW) annual Black & White Gala will feature gourmet food, world-class entertainment and best of all, the chance for attendees to help children with life-threatening illnesses. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the event has become one of Central Florida’s most popular social events on the calendar, directly helping make more than 7,400 wishes come true every year.

httpv://youtu.be/_ci3_xXx98c

In addition to a fabulous evening of food and entertainment, a silent auction will be included featuring vacation packages, artwork, sporting event experiences and much more. Attendees will be able to bid on items using smart phones or tablets, making it easier to participate in the auction process.

“Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, but it also is a time for us to pause and say thank you to so many friends, supporters and partners who make this great organization so wonderful,” said Pamela Landwirth, President of GKTW Village. “Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to welcome new individual and corporate friends to this year’s Gala so we can continue to make our Village a place where happiness inspires hope.”

For more information about Give Kids The World Village and its Black & White Gala, visit http://www.gktw.org/gala.

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A Different Way To Show Your #DisneySide

Give Kids the World Village #DisneySide

A Different Way To Show Your #DisneySide

When I started to plan my #DisneySide Party I wanted to add an element of giving back to the Orlando Community that has close ties to the Disney Community, and I decided that Give Kids the World Village was the perfect choice!

Give Kids the World Village is Village is a 70-acre resort complete with over 144 Villa accommodations, entertainment attractions, whimsical venues, and fun specifically designed for children with special needs.

The Give Kids the World Mission Statement:

Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need.

 

Over 134,000 children have had their dream come true at Give Kids The World. No child in need has ever been turned away – and no child ever will. Give Kids The World is a place where families find joy, laughter, serenity, and a lifetime of memories. Through the tireless support of our volunteers, employees and generous partners, we dedicate each and every day to these special families.

To keep ‘costs down and smiles up’ Give Kids the World Village looks for donations of items from Wish List to make the most of their resources, and I have asked my guests to bring a donation from this list to my #DisneySide Party.

The Wish List includes items needed for their daily gift-giving program, supplies for our Family Entertainment Program, and items to help keep the Village sparkling.

So how can you help and show your support and #DisneySide from home?

#DisneySide Walt Disney Quote Give Kids The World Viillage

Below you will find the Give Kids the World Village Wish List in case you are so inclined to make a donation!

To make a donation of any of the following items, or to help in any other way, please call 1-800-995-KIDS.  In addition to the potential gifts listed below, Give Kids the World Village can gladly accept gift cards to stores in which we could purchase these items.

Gift Giving Program (All gifts must be new and in original packaging):

  • Batteries – AAA
  • Disposable cameras
  • Autograph Books
  • Photo Albums
  • Gifts for children of all ages (with batteries)
    • Board Games
    • Hand Held Games
    • Travel Games
    • Teenage Gifts
    • MP3 Players
    • Wii games (rated E)

Venue Support

  • Pool-Accessible (PVC & Stainless) Wheelchairs

Village Entertainment & Family Programs

  • Video Services
  • Princess Dresses
  • Small prizes/toys (non-candy)
  • Birthday gifts for children of all ages
  • 1/4″ x 12″ wooden dowels
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Bubbles
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • DVD-R (MINI – 30 minutes and/or 60 minutes)
  • Movies (G or PG rated on DVD and Blu Ray Disc)
  • Red and white crepe paper streamers
  • Rain Ponchos
  • Wheelchairs (adult and child size)
  • Disposable Cutlery
  • Pillow Cases for Wish Pillows (pattern will be provided)
  • Gift Cards for material – Joann Fabrics, Visa, MC

Villa Support

  • Pressure Washers – Gas Powered
  • Treated Lumber – 4×4 x8 Posts
  • Truck-mounted steam cleaner and van
  • Cleaning Supplies
    • Brooms
    • Scrub Brushes
    • Vinyl Powdered Gloves – S, M, L, XL
    • 60 Gallon Trash Liners
  • Painting Supplies
    • Disposable 1”, 2” and 3” brushes
    • Pink Wizzy Roller Covers
    • Canvas Drop Cloths
    • Ladders (any size)
    • 6’ & 8’ fiberglass ladders
  • Landscaping Supplies
    • Rakes – Leaf or Hard Rake
    • Shovels – Round long handled
    • 50 ft heavy duty hoses
    • Hand Cutters and pruners
    • Backpack Sprayers
    • 2 Cycle Oil Mix
    • Pine Bark Nuggets
    • Wasp Spray
    • Ant bait

Administrative Support to help keep administrative costs down

  • CD-R and DVD-R Discs (High Speed)
  • CD Envelopes with plastic window
  • AA and AAA alkaline batteries
  • Mailing Supplies
    • Bubble Wrap
    • Peanuts
    • #0 and #00 Padded Envelopes
    • 2” Packaging Tape
  • Office Supplies
    • Scissors
    • Paper Clips
    • 2 x 2 Post It Notes
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Wordless Wednesday – Special Olympics Oath

Wordless Wednesday: February 4, 2015

Wordless Wednesday Special Olympics Oath

The Special Olympics Oath is moving, and I am very proud to be involved with this organization!

I will be taking the Polar Plunge this Saturday at Aquatica to help raise money for these amazing athletes, and if you can help this great cause it would be wonderful.

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LEGOLAND Florida Kicks Off Christmas Bricktacular

LEGOLAND Florida Christmas Bricktacular Make a Wish 2014

LEGOLAND Florida Resort Helps Spread Holiday Cheer as 40 Make-A-Wish Families Light the

LEGO® Tree Kicking Off Christmas Bricktacular!

Emmet And Wyldstyle from “The LEGO® Movie” Make Special Appearance

Christmas spirit was glowing in the faces of children Saturday night as LEGOLAND Florida Resort hosted 40 Make-A-Wish families to kick off Christmas Bricktacular presented by Shutterfly®, with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in a colorful celebration full of music, lights and snow!

Merlin’s Magic Wand provided tickets for nearly 200 Make-A-Wish guests to enjoy the theme park and be special VIP guests at the ceremony.  LEGO® Santa and the stars of “The LEGO® Movie,” Emmet and Wyldstyle, brought up four children from Make-A-Wish Foundation to share the stage and help light the more than 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made up of 270,000 LEGO and DUPLO® bricks.  The children included Riley Mazur, Elizabeth Pranger, Joshua Chambers, and Emsley Long.

LEGOLAND Florida Christmas Bricktacular Make a Wish 2014

“As a theme park that is truly built for kids, we are honored to host these great kids and create wonderful holiday memories for them and their families. We’d like to thank Make-A-Wish for the opportunity to work together on this event, and for all of the wonderful things they do to support children and their families all year long,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort General Manager Adrian Jones.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s parent company, Merlin Entertainments, created Merlin’s Magic Wand to put the magic back into the childhoods of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.  Teaming up with Make-A-Wish for this special event, the two charitable organizations aim to give this wonderful group of children a day to escape and enter a world where they can take control.

LEGOLAND Florida Christmas Bricktacular Make a Wish 2014

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with LEGOLAND to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. LEGOLAND creates an amazing hands-on experience for our Wish children who wish to go to the park or to be a Master Model Builder for the day. We appreciate the continued support and commitment LEGOLAND gives to our organization,” said Chair of Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida Chris Quarles.

LEGOLAND Florida Christmas Bricktacular Make a Wish 2014

The annual Christmas Bricktacular event continues weekends in December with extraordinary holiday-themed LEGO builds, interactive LEGO Character Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier Characters and snow fall in Fun Town.  Visit with paid admission now through Dec. 27, 2014, and receive a free return visit Jan. 1- Feb. 28, 2015!

LEGOLAND Hotel LEGOLAND Florida Resort

About LEGOLAND® Florida Resort:

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

 

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Taking The Polar Plunge For Special Olympics Florida

Speical Olympics Florida Polar Plunge at Aquatica

I am joining 1,100 other brave souls to take the 6th Annual Special Olympics Florida Polar Plunge Aquatica Orlando on February 7, 2015!

The Special Olympics Florida’s Polar Plunge at Aquatica, is statewide fundraiser during which individuals and teams, alongside Special Olympics athletes raise money for the privilege of Plunging into the chilled down wave pool.

Aquatica is usually warm and tropical, but once each year they chill down their wave pool so you can experience the “thrill of the chill” all while supporting a great cause.

Speical Olympics Florida Polar Plunge at Aquatica

When I was younger I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Special Olympics, and after attending the Opening for the Sumer Games I was hooked back in to doing whatever I could to help!

Special Olympics Florida

Only the wave pool is chilled down, the rest of the rides are heated, so if you want to come and cheer me on, become a virtual plunger, or if you want to form a team of your own you can find out more about it here.

You can also follow my adventure on Twitter with the hashtag #PlungeFL!

If you feel so inclined, I would totally appreciate any support you could offer! I have put a widget for donations on the site or you can visit my First Giving Page for the Special Olympics Florida Plunge!

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#GivingTuesday – Give Kids The World Village

#GivingTuesday Give Kids The World Village

#GivingTuesday is Here!!!

#GivingTuesday is a global day dedicating to giving back, and Give Kids The World will be participating this year in a big way.

The GiveKids The World goal this year is to raise $60,000 within a 24-hour time period, and we need your help to make this happen!

The first $20,000 of the goal will be matched by an anonymous donor, and every dollar raised will go straight to the Village to help create the happiness that inspires hope for children with life-threating illnesses.

We’re asking our supporters and people who want to give on this day to donate on our official donation page, www.gktw.org/givingtuesday.Please keep in mind that this page is only open for donations during a 24-hour period on December 2.

After you’ve made your donation to Give Kids the World, make sure to take a moment to snap an “UNselfie” and share the photo on all social media accounts with the hashtags, #unselfie, #GivingTuesday, and #GKTW.

What’s an UNselfe?

An UNselfie is a photo taken of yourself (selfie) holding up a handwritten sign explaining why you support GKTW for Giving Tuesday. (See Mayor Clayton below for his guidelines.)

#GivingTuesday Give Kids The World Village UNselfie

I hope that you will join me today for #GivingTuesday, because your donation will make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from all over the world!

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Calling All WWE Fans! Connor’s Cure Could Use Your Help!

Hello! My name is Shelley Caran, and I am not ashamed to say that I am a lifelong WWE fan.

Connor's Cure WWE NXT Takeover Shelley and Dave
Dave and I at WWE NXT at Full Sail University

I grew up watching wrestling (My Uncle Isadore almost jumped in a ring with Hulk Hogan…but that is another story for another time), I have argued intensely with my brother over our one Sargent Slaughter GI Joe Figure, and I did what Hulk Hogan told me to do (Train, Take your vitamins, Say your prayers, and Believe in yourself).

WWE Sergeant Slaughter Connor's Cure Bracelets
I **may** have sent this picture to my brother with the text ‘Guess who won in the end?’…

As I got older my husband and I bonded in college by watching WWE, and now we are raising a little girl who runs around the house singing The Mountie’s theme song (thank you WWE Network), and she tells everyone she wants to be Stephanie McMahon when she grows up.

WWE Stephanie McMahon Connor's Cure
Zoe in her Stephanie outfit for the Royal Rumble earlier this year.

There is an amazing moment that happens when you realize that someone you just met or know is a wrestling fan, too. It is almost as if there is this switch that is flipped, and all of sudden you find yourself talking about your favorite moment or memory.

That passion for being a fan is what brings us all together. We share laughter over funny moments, anger over matches where the ‘wrong’ wrestler won, sadness over those that are no longer with us, and there is no joy like the joy you get when someone shares your favorite tag team.

WWE NXT With Kids
Seriously, this is one of my favorite pictures of Zoe!!!

I have been extremely fortunate to meet several WWE and WWE NXT Superstars, and what always strikes me is that this passion is shared on both sides of the ring.

And now we as fans have an opportunity to put this passion towards a great cause!

When I first saw Connor Mason Michalek’s story, my heart broke and was full of joy at the same time as I watched so many people come together to help such a great little guy.

httpv://youtu.be/9RAhxhIHdpM

Watching that short video I shed tears for Connor’s joy and with his father’s loss. The moments when Stephanie rolls up the sleeves on Connor’s sweatshirt and when Show looks over at him using his ‘Wrestlemania’ voice really hit home with me, because those are things we would all do.

Now you may ask what can we do as fans that will help? 

Connor's Cure
Picture from wwe.com

In the WWE Shop, you will find a bracelet that benefits the great Connor’s Cure Fund that has been created by Paul “HHH” Levesque and Stephanie McMahon. The Connor’s Cure Fund will help do what Connor would have wanted, to save other children’s lives.

Connor's Cure Bracelet WWE
Picture from wwe.com

100% of the Net Proceeds received by WWE from the sale of this bracelet will be given to THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION, for the benefit of THE CONNOR’S CURE FUND, One Children’s Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue Central Plant, Floor 3 Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Please note that the purchase of this item is not a tax deductible event.

Picture from @connorscure on Instagram
Picture from @connorscure on Instagram

On Instagram, Connor’s Fathers shared a picture and the backstory of the bracelets.

Brief backstory of the new Bracelets for #ConnorsCure. When Connor first found out he was seeing his “Queen of the WWE” again, he insisted he get her something. He decided on making her a beaded necklace, as he put it, something “pretty” for her. First the little guy asked me if his high School girl Erica would be mad at him, cause in Connors mind he and Erica were getting married soon as possible:)) when I assured him it would be ok, he sat down and started making Steph her bead necklace. It was a difficult project for him because after his brain surgeries he had trouble with fine motor skills. But the never give up boy fought through it, and made sure it was just the way he wanted. He also took the time to make bracelets for her daughters. Connor was so excited to give Steph her necklace. When Steph seen it her eyes gleamed with happiness. It was a Raw night and Steph as usual looked incredible. When she came out to the ring, she had taken off her beautiful jewelry she was wearing for t.v. and what did she have on, Connor’s bead necklace. She even took the time to rearrange the letters on the beads so you could see Connor put the letters I Love Stephanie on the necklace. Connor was ecstatic to see she was wearing his present to her. He was, and should of been, so proud of himself. It was not easy for him to make. And God knows how proud I was of him. Now, as Steph continues to show her love of kids and commitment to ConnorsCure, they now are making the beaded bracelet in Connors memory, with all profits going to fight cancer. As Connor said in beads, I Love You Stephanie!! In this picture you can see Steph on TV wearing Connor’s present:)

Connor's Cure Bracelet
From @StephMcMahon

I know that it’s the holidays and that we all have budgets, but $4.99 can really make a difference!

While I have had the amazing opportunity to work with WWE in the past, I want everyone to know that this post is in no way compensated or suggested to me by them. I just wanted to share this great story and opportunity to help a little boy that has passed away continue his dream to help others from one fan to another.

I have put my $4.99 where my mouth is and ordered my Connor’s Cure bracelet, and I hope that you order one soon, too!

You can find more information on Connor’s Cure by following them on Twitter, Instagram, and by visiting http://www.connorthecrusher.com


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Barktoberfest At Lake Eola Park Tomorrow

Barktoberfest Lake Eola Park

The fourth annual Barktoberfest is a rescue appreciation event to celebrate the partnership between Orange County Animal Services and the rescue community is tomorrow at Lake Eola Park (on the south east grassy area) in Downtown Orlando from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

For this event Orange County Animal Services works with approximately 70 rescue partners that aid in the recovery and adoption of many homeless animals. 

Barktoberfest will have many of these rescued pets available for adoption, and along with adoptable animals there will also be delicious food trucks, pet microchipping, vendors, raffles and more!

Lambs Eat Ivy Salon‘s SHAMPOOCH event will be taking place just steps from Lake Eola, along Washington Street. SHAMPOOCH invites people to bring their owned pets for a day of dog washing fun with proceeds benefitting a local pet rescue group.

Free microchipping will be conducted by Animal Services from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Low-cost rabies vaccinations will be offered by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for $5 between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Find out more at www.ocfl.net/barktoberfest

The following food trucks will be attending:
Kona Dog
Fork In The Road Truck
SwedeDISH Food Truck
Monsta Lobsta
Sweet City Gelato and Gourmet Desserts
The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck
Louie’s Bistro
Tastebuds-Catering Food Truck

The following rescue groups will be attending:
A Cause 4 Paws
A Forever Home Animal Rescue
Animal Advocates FL, Inc
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Boston Terrier Rescue of East TN – FL Division
Broward Friends of Shelter Animals CFL
Cats Are My Love
Central Florida Pug Rescue
Dream Catcher German Shepherd Rescue
Florida Boxer Rescue
Furever Bully Love Rescue, Inc.
Furever Friendz, Inc.
Labrador Retriever Rescue of FL
Me and My Shadow Dog Rescue
Orlando Bully Rescue
Paradise for Pets Rescue
Passion 4 Pits Rescue
Phoenix Rising Animal Rescue
Poodle and Pooch Rescue
Pug Rescue of Florida
Ruff Times Rescue, Inc.
Sniffing Snouts Pitbull Rescue
The Pixel Fund
VIP Rescue

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@VisitOrlando Magical Dining Month

Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month celebrates Orlando’s diverse and amazing culinary scene.

Throughout September, select Orlando restaurants will be offering prix fixe dinners for just $33 to benefit The Foundation of Foster Children.

Proceeds from the event will help the Foundation for Foster Children to support the 1400 ethnically diverse foster children who reside in Central Florida’s tri-county area. With new opportunities, local foster youth discover hidden talents, boost their self-esteem, improve their grades, and begin to uncover their individual potential.

Magical Dining Month Foundation for Foster Children Logo

The Foundation for Foster Children is an important asset to Central Florida as it strengthens our community by providing direct support to foster children and foster families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Since 2008, the Foundation has provided funding and in-kind support for the unmet needs of foster youth through several programs, including supporting their immediate needs when they first enter foster care. With an emphasis on education, over half of all funding supports educational needs of foster children through in-home tutoring and other services. Through the Fostering Success grant program, “typical childhood experiences” are provided to our local foster children that otherwise would be unavailable, such as athletics, art, music, dance and other opportunities. Another important focus of the Foundation is on youth who are transitioning to adulthood, youth ages 17-23 who are provided with direct support and volunteer mentors.

There are so many great restaurants participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month!

Magical Dining 2014 Bohemian Hotel Celebration
The Bohemian Hotel is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Celebration!!!

You can find a list of all the participating restaurants and their menus here

If you are looking to really take your Magical Dining Month to the next level, by turning it into a Magical Night. 

Since many of the participating Magical Dining restaurants are located in local hotels and resorts, this year there are special stay and dine packages that includes hotel accommodations and a Magical Dining dinner for two.

Magical Dining Hotel Packages start at $155 plus tax, and a full list of hotels and resorts can be found here.

If you have questions and want more information about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month check out their FAQs!

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IKEA Orlando: Feeding The Future In July

IKEA Orlando

IKEA Orlando is joining forces with Feeding America to help stop the grumbling of little tummies in the local area with a special promotion this July.

IKEA Orlando

During July, for every Healthy Kid’s Meal purchased, IKEA will donate a $1 towards Feeding America and the fight to end childhood hunger.

IKEA Orlando

IKEA will be donating up to a maximum for $50,000, and helping them reach that goal is easy on the wallet!

During our visit to IKEA Orlando we were able to try the two Healthy Kid’s Meals, that for the month of July are also reduced to $1.99 and both are equally yummy!

The Kid’s Grilled Chicken (210 calories) comes with carrot sticks, strawberries, string cheese (that is separately packaged for a later snack), and lingonberry drink.

IKEA Orlando

The Kid’s Organic Pasta (324 calories) is moose shaped pasta with a tomato sauce that is served with yogurt and lingonberry drink.

IKEA Orlando

On Kids Eat Free Tuesdays at IKEA Orlando, if you choose either of these two meals a dollar will still be donated to the Feeding the Future campaign!

If you don’t have any little tummies in your family to feed, it is super easy to support the campaign! You will have the option to add a dollar to your purchase in their Restaurant, Swedish Food Market, and Bistro!

And while you are shopping at IKEA Orlando, don’t forget to take advantage of their other family amenities!!!

IKEA Orlando

DISCLOSURE: Through a partnership with IKEA Orlando, I was provided with promotional items in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

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