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

West Orange Foundation Grant

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

2023 Grants

The Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its 2023 grant application season. The grants are made possible through the generous donation of community leaders, most of which are members of the West Orange Chamber. This year, the focus of funding is “Food Insecurity”. The Foundation recognizes the many challenges still adversely affecting the West Orange Community with food insecurity as one of the top dilemmas left to be tackled. The lack of consistent access to food for members of our community is heartbreaking.

Our 2023 grant program is open to non-profit organizations that specifically address food insecurity in the West Orange Community. Organizations must use the funds awarded in the communities of Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere or Winter Garden. Qualified organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4:00 pm.

West Orange Foundation Grant Application

Completed applications should be returned to:

West Orange Foundation, Inc.

12184 West Colonial Drive

Winter Garden, FL 34784-4146

Direct inquiries to Artena Greene at (407) 656-1304, ext. 2, or email agreene@wochamber.com

THE 2021 GRANT AWARD RECEPIENTS

• Christian Service Center
• Matthew’s Hope Ministries
• Nehrling Gardens
• Oakland Nature Preserve
• Rosen JCC
• Shepherd’s Hope
• Southeastern Food Bank
• West Orange Habitat for Humanity
• Women in the Arts, Inc.

Leadership West Orange

The West Orange Foundation’s Leadership West Orange Program, presented by AdventHealth and Duke Energy, annually brings together a group of  business leaders to embark on an exciting, and informative educational journey. Through a series of classes held monthly, the mission of raising the awareness of key elements of the West Orange Community are undertaken. Each session entails combinations of lectures, tours and behind the scenes activities. Leadership West Orange is truly a hands-on experience!

Over the decades, more than 400 local leaders have successfully participated and are now Leadership West Orange graduates.

The West Orange Foundation’s vision is to create a broader community reach through philanthropy and community outreach programs. Additionally, the Foundation strives to engage more industries and businesses, foster positive changes, and to not only create but also inspire alliances. With a mission of enriching the West Orange community so that it is a highly sought after area to live, work, and play, the Leadership West Orange program is a progressive tool for advancing these goals.

What should you know about the Leadership West Orange program? The program consists of a series of classes over a period of eight months. During the ninth month, successful participants graduate from the program. Classes focus on various aspects of West Orange County.  Participants can expect to learn about:

Educating the future leaders of West Orange County is an endeavor very important to the West Orange Foundation. Preserving our past, embracing our present, visioning and planning our future are not only crucial but critical for our area to thrive. Join this fantastic opportunity by contacting Artena Greene at (407) 656-1304, Ext. 2  or via email at agreene@wochamber.com.

Let your adventure begin today!

Click Here to Begin Your Leadership Journey

News

WINTER GARDEN, FL. – We are incredibly proud to announce that the West Orange Foundation has made a generous donation to the Southeastern Food Bank. On July 27, the CEO/Founder Mark Anthony accepted the donation check, that will make a significant impact on those in need. Together, we’re making a difference in our community, one meal at a time.

For more than three decades, Southeastern Food Bank has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the state of Florida. We are passionate about spreading the love of Jesus Christ through the distribution of food and essential supplies. With a reach that spans 26 counties, we touch the lives of families, instilling hope in Christ every single day.

Danniel J. Petro Scholarship

Danniel J. Petro Scholarship of the West Orange Foundation

The Danniel J. Petro Scholarship fund was established to make it possible for eligible students from local high schools in Orange County, both public and 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. Program administration and implantation is done in partnership with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

2023 Scholarship Winners Announced

The West Orange Foundation is proud to announce the 2023 Danniel J. Petro Scholarship Award recipients. After a vigorous application process, these outstanding students were chosen to receive awards to help advance their education. This year’s recipients are:

Julia Bernstein

Julia is a graduate of Ocoee High School and has been awarded a $2000 scholarship. She will attend the University of Central Florida.

Zaire Garrett

Zaire is a graduate of Ocoee High School and has been awarded a $2000 scholarship. She will attend Valencia College.

Jason Huang

Jason is a graduate of West Orange High School and has been awarded a $2500 scholarship. He will attend the University of Central Florida.

Kaleigh Johnson

Kaleigh is a graduate of Olympia High School and has been awarded a $2000 scholarship. She will attend Valencia College.

Snaida Mezieo

Snaida is a graduate of Acceleration High School West and has been awarded a $2000 scholarship. She will attend Valencia College.

Andrew Vo

Andrew is a graduate of West Orange High School and has been awarded a $2000 scholarship. He will attend the University of Central Florida.

Karen Zerpa Galvis

Karen is a graduate of Olympia High School and has been awarded a $2500 scholarship. She will attend Valencia College.

Please join the West Orange Foundation and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce with extending a hearty Congratulations to our 2023 scholarship winners! We wish them the best of luck and know they are on the path to success as they embark on their next educational journey.

Applying for a Danniel J. Petro Scholarship

The Danniel J. Petro Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who not only reside in the West Orange area, but also attend schools within West Orange County. Qualifying residential areas are: Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlo Vista, Pine Hills, Windermere and Winter Garden.

In addition to being a high school senior, students must meet several other eligibility requirements, such as:

– Attending a high school in a qualifying area.

– Having a current minimum GPA of 2.75 (either weighted or unweighted).

– And, they must have applied for entry to one of the eligible educational institutions which are Valencia College, Orange Technical College, or the University of Central Florida.

Interested students are encouraged to complete and submit the application in its entirety, and should check the website in August to obtain the current application. To review last year’s application, click here. For additional information, contact Artena Greene at agreene@wochamber.com .

• West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC), in partnership with the West Orange Foundation (WOF), celebrates outstanding students at its annual Education Awards Ceremony