Important Fundraisers in Central Florida

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Are you looking for some important fundraisers in Central Florida? If so, get ready to give at one of the following fundraisers.

The Pride Cup

The Pulse nightclub was the scene of a tragedy that shook the LGBTQ community throughout the world. But the event brought the community even closer together and has brought fundraisers like this one to center stage.

The Pride Cup is a rainbow run that benefits onePulse. It celebrates inclusion and honors the individuals who were lost in the Pulse shooting. With the funds raised from this event and other events, onePulse is working towards memorializing those who passed in the shooting. They aim to create a memorial, a museum, and educational programs in the spirit of acceptance and inclusion.

You don’t need to be an experienced runner to participate in this fundraiser. In fact, you can choose to walk the course. The race isn’t timed, so you don’t need to worry about training or being competitive. Every participant receives a tee shirt, backpack, bib, and finisher medal.Of course, there’s also the benefit of knowing that your money is going towards a good cause.

After the race, there’s a free festival with plenty of entertainment. Prizes will be awarded for costumes and you can purchase food and drinks.

Those who can’t participate in the race can enter as a virtual runner. If you choose to be a virtual runner, you can do the race from anywhere.

Strike Out Breast Cancer

When you combine bowling with charity, you get the Boardwalk Bowl Strike Out Breast Cancer event. During the fundraiser, you can enjoy food, drinks, and a silent auction. The proceeds go towards finding a cure for breast cancer.

This event has been taking place for over 12 years. Typically, the Orlando fundraiser sells out early on. You should purchase your tickets long before the event begins.

Prices for the event vary depending on your package. If you join with a team of five, the package costs $500 and you get two games of bowling, shoe rental, a tee shirt, and food. The next package up costs $1000 but comes with a VIP gift bag and access to the open beer bar.

Hope and Help Gala

The Hope and Help Gala was formerly known as the Headdress Ball. For 28 years, the Headdress Ball was one of Orlando’s most popular fundraisers. Although the fundraiser now has a new name, it’s just as exciting as it was years ago.

If you’re not familiar with Hope and Help, there are a few things you should know. The organization offers HIV and STI testing, prevention, and treatment. By offering both prevention services and outreach programs, the organization provides a great service to Orlando and the surrounding communities.

In its 29th year, the fundraiser took place at the Rosen Centre Hotel. The name change was done in an effort to attract a wider audience and to showcase other forms of entertainment. In its first year as the Hope and Help Gala, the event had the theme of Mystic Island. There were live and silent auctions that featured unique items like trips to Belize, concert tickets, and Aretha Franklin memorabilia.

Instead of wearing black tie attire, attendees were encouraged to wear island-inspired outfits. The money raised at the event was used to support Hope and Help’s mission.

Drag Race 5K

The next time you go for a run, do it in your best outfit. At the Drag Race 5K, you can get active, be stylish, and support a great organization. The fundraiser is a 5K walk or run that encourages participants to show up in their brightest, boldest outfits.

Of course, no drag race 5K is complete without drag queens. The event features several of the top local drag queens as well as others who want to show their support for the Zebra Coalition.

As an Orlando non-profit, the Zebra Coalition is a network of several organizations that inspire and support LGBTQ youth. They offer services to individuals between the ages of 13 and 24. Typically, they help those who are struggling with bullying, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and isolation.

You don’t need to be a serious runner to participate in this fundraiser. Although you’re welcome to run as fast as you want, the event is light-hearted and fun. It’s more about supporting diversity and love than it is about winning.

Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala

Walt Disney World is home to some amazing fundraisers, and the Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala is no exception. In 2018, the event took place at the Epcot World Showcase. It’s an annual fundraiser that pleases food-lovers and supporters of the United Way.

The Heart of Florida United Way is a Central Florida organization that spends time fighting for the financial support, well-being, and education of all local individuals. Since 1939, the organization has been providing services to the community. Between 2016 and 2017, the organization managed over $46 million and used that money to fund almost 60 unique programs.

During this annual fundraiser, people from all over come to donate to the cause. In return, they get to experience some of the best food that Central Florida has to offer. 2018’s event featured over 20 local chefs, representing some of the top restaurants in the area. Chefs from Morimoto Asia, SLATE, and Urban Tide showcased their best meals. The food was paired with high-quality wines. If you plan on attending, be sure to come hungry.

Every year, the fundraiser brings in almost $300,000. 95% of the proceeds from the event go towards programs that benefit the local community. You can rest easy knowing that you’re making Central Florida a better place.

Enjoying the Important Fundraisers in Central Florida

Don’t hesitate to enjoy some of the most important fundraisers in Central Florida. Whether you head to Epcot, an Orlando park, or a bowling alley, you can support a local fundraiser and have fun.

Don’t forget to check our Events page for up and coming fundraisers.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.