West Orange Foundation

The West Orange Foundation supports a vibrant, growing community through its programs and initiatives to advance West Orange County.

Mission

Enrich our community so that it is a highly sought-after place to live, work, and play. 

Vision

  • Create a broader community reach through philanthropy and community outreach programs
  • Engage more industries & businesses
  • Create and embolden alliances
  • Foster positive change, health, and growth   

How to Contribute

We are accepting donations through Paypal:

Board of Directors

J.T. McWalters

Immediate Past Chair

John McReynolds

Chairman

Kim Hardy

Chair-Elect

Pam Thomas

Treasurer

Betsy VanderLey

Secretary

Stina D’Uva

President/CEO

C101

For over 17 years, the Committee of One Hundred and One (C101) has supported projects and local nonprofit organizations that positively contribute to our community.

OUR MISSION

To foster, enhance, protect and promote West Orange County in matters pertaining to business, civic, arts, environment, education, and overall quality of life.

Membership in the C101 is limited to only those who demonstrate the most substantial, positive influence or leadership in West Orange County, and membership is limited to one hundred and one members. Selection as a member of C101 will only be able to occur after nomination by two C101 board members, screening of the nominee, and final approval by the C101 Board. Membership in C101 offers private social gatherings and interactions with other influential members of the committee.

“The West Orange Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 West Orange Foundation Committee of 101 (C101) Donor Fund grant awards. The C101 Donor Fund donations are distributed as grants to organizations that fit the mission of the West Orange Foundation, to enrich our community so that it is a sought-after place to live, work, and play. Over the years, C101 has distributed over $275,000 to worthy community charities.

THE 2021 GRANT AWARD RECEPIENTS

 

Leadership West Orange

 

Leadership West Orange, presented by AdventHealth and Duke Energy, is an annual program that brings a group of community members together for a variety of sessions. These sessions are held monthly and the primary mission is to raise the awareness of the key segments of the total West Orange community.

Leadership West Orange is a ‘hands on, out of the classroom” program designed to educate future leaders of West Orange County by providing exposure to prominent businesses, economic initiatives, and behind-the-scenes look into critical issues and challenges facing the area. The smaller class size offers unique access opportunities and greater success for personal and professional relationship development.

We will explore West Orange County one day per month for 8 months while focusing on a specific area of interest.

  • Team Building – An exciting group dynamic session which will challenge participants intellectually, emotionally and physically.
  • Environment – Experience first-hand the environmental issues and challenges that we face as a community and how we are overcoming them.
  • Education – Tour local facilities and hear from leaders in the West Orange educational system about the impact they are making on our future.
  • Economic Development – Learn about the economic history of West Orange County, and learn about current and future economic drivers in the region.
  • Government & Sports – Spend the day visiting elected and municipal leaders and experiencing their day to day challenges and triumphs with an exclusive look into the sports industry and its economic impact.
  • Healthcare – Spend the day touring components of the various healthcare options in West Orange County and Central Florida.
  • Day of Exploration – A day of exploring West Orange County in a fun, active exercise.

For more information about this West Orange Foundation program, contact Kristin Feigel at 407-656-1304 ext. 7 or kfeigel@wochamber.com

Food Drive

Every year, the West Orange Foundation in conjunction with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations collect funds to support families through the Maxey. Let’s continue to help local families in need enjoy this Thanksgiving!

Special thanks to our tremendous and generous members who donated to our 2022 West Orange Foundation Thanksgiving Food Drive. We collected thousands of dollars which enabled us to buy gift cards from Publix and Walmart and supported 108 families and 406 people.

 

Stina D’Uva presenting Walmart gift cards to families in need, just in time for Thanksgiving,  purchased through generous donations by chamber members.

News

West Orange Foundation Accepting Applications for Danniel J. Petro Foundation Scholarship

The West Orange Foundation presents our annual scholarship opportunity for area students, The Danniel J. Petro Foundation Scholarships.

The scholarship fund, administered by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, was established to make it possible for eligible students from local high schools to further their education at Valencia College, Orange Technical College or the University of Central Florida. The West Orange Foundation is able to fund the scholarships through the generous contributions of the Petro Family Foundation and Duke Energy.

In order to qualify, eligible senior students must:

  1. Live in one of the following communities (Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere or Winter Garden);
  2. Attend a high school in one of the above service areas;
  3. Have a current GPA of 2.75 (either weighted or unweighted); and
  4. Apply to attend Valencia College, the University of Central Florida or Orange Technical College.

To download a copy of the application, click here. Eligible students should complete the application in its entirety, which includes a list of activities, leadership positions and honors, community involvement and special recognition awards and honors, along with a personal essay in which they should describe themselves and provide information about their most significant accomplishment.

Submissions will be accepted via email or US Post. Please email completed applications and required supporting documents to Artena Greene at agreene@wochamber.com by April 7, 2023. Or by mail to West Orange Chamber of Commerce, ATTN: DJP Scholarship, 12184 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787. If mailing, applications must be received by April 7, 2023 to be considered. Notification will be sent via email once your application has been received.

For any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Artena Greene at the above email address.

  • Orange County
  • City of Winter Garden
  • Town of Windermere
  • City of Ocoee
  • Town of Oakland

 

 

Danniel J. Petro Scholarship

Danniel J. Petro Scholarship of the West Orange Foundation

Congratulations to Class of 2022 graduates Isabella Alves from Olympia High School and Stephanie Da Silva from Windermere High School. Each of these students are recipients of the Danniel J. Petro Scholarship, facilitated by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and given in partnership with the West Orange Foundation. Both of these outstanding young women are excited and working towards advancing their education. Isabella attends Valencia College; and, Stephanie is currently attending the University of Central Florida.

The Danniel J. Petro Scholarship fund was established to make it possible for eligible students from local high schools in Orange County, both public or private, to further their education at one of the following educational institutions: Valencia College, Orange Technical College, or the University of Central Florida.

The West Orange Foundation is able to fund this scholarship program through the generosity of the Petro Family Foundation and Duke Energy. Administration and implementation of the program is provided by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Some eligibility requirements are:

-High school senior.

-Resident of Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere or Winter Garden.

-Attend a high school in one of the above service areas.

-Have a current minimum GPA of 2.75 (either weighted or unweighted).

-Applied for entry to one of the eligible educational institutions listed (Valencia College, Orange Technical College, or the University of Central Florida).

Interested students are encouraged to complete the application in its entirety. Multiple scholarships will be awarded. All applications must be received by Friday, April 7, 2023.

Any questions regarding this fantastic opportunity should be directed to Artena Greene at agreene@wochamber.com.

Download application here