Why not put a charitable twist on your next night out? From high tea to foodie-focused fundraising and everything in between, here are 12 upcoming Orlando events for doing good during your next date or girls’ night out.
Tony Roma’s Make-A-Wish Fundraising Cards
March 1 – April 11, 2018
Tony Roma’s Orlando (8560 International Dr.)
$20
We first shared details of this awesome fundraising program in October and we’re happy to see its return this month! Give back to our local Make-A-Wish chapter by purchasing a $20 fundraising card ($50 value) anytime between March 1 and April 11, 2018 at Tony Roma’s Orlando. The cards are redeemable for four appetizers and partial proceeds from each card sold will benefit our local Make-A-Wish chapter. After filling up on appetizers, stick around the area and explore. Here’s a guide to some of our favorite date nights in the I-Drive 360/Pointe Orlando area.
Women in the Kitchen: Legends, Mentors and Friends
March 18, 2018, 3:30-6:30pm
Lake Meadow Naturals
$150
Returning for 2018, this food-centric event recognizes, celebrates, and supports the James Beard Foundation’s role in supporting and advancing women in the culinary industry. The host chef is none other than our beloved Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon. Throughout the evening, food will be prepared by 10 James Beard Award-winning female chefs. The event will take place on the grounds of Lake Meadow Naturals farm in Ocoee. Participating local chefs include host chef Kathleen Blake (The Rusty Spoon), Melissa Kelly (Primo – Rockland, ME, Orlando, FL, Tucson, AZ), and Gloriann Rivera (1921 – Mount Dora).
Pints & Pups
March 24, 2018, 12-3pm
Orange County Brewers
FREE admission
Support animal welfare and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando while sipping craft brews at Downtown Orlando’s first craft brewery, Orange County Brewers. During the event, $1 of every pint sold will be donated to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Bring along a donation and you’ll have access to happy hour pricing throughout the duration of the event. Looking for a furry family member? Dogs will be available for adoption! Lee Asher, who set off on a 90-day RV trip to rescue 48 dogs in 48 states, and 6 of his rescue dogs will also be in attendance.
11th Annual High Tea & Hats
April 8, 2018, 1:30-5pm
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
$95
Ready for an epic girls’ day out supporting a great cause? Get out your favorite hat, put on your best dress and attend High Tea benefitting Seniors First, a local organization that assists low-income seniors. The afternoon includes tea sandwiches, petite desserts, fresh fruit, cheeses, and, of course, tea! There will also be a hat parade and contest, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit seniors in need of supportive services and programs like Meals on Wheels, neighborhood lunch programs and in-home and personal care services.
Taste at I-Drive 360
April 8, 2018, 4-8pm
I-Drive 360
$45
Another food-filled event, Taste at I-Drive 360 features live entertainment and food samplings from restaurants like Tapa Toro, Sofra Mediterranean Grill, Lisbon Portuguese Restaurant and more, all included with your ticket. Proceeds from the event benefit the Esophageal Cancer Program at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala
April 14, 2018, 6:45-10pm
Epcot World Showcase
$325 ($600/couple)
Hosted by Walt Disney World Resort at the Epcot World Showcase, this annual fundraising event doubles as a foodie’s paradise. Food from more than 20 Central Florida chefs from restaurants like Bull & Bear, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Morimoto Asia, SLATE, Todd English’s bluezoo and Urban Tide is paired with fine wines. Bonus: Gideon’s Cookies will be there, too! The event raises nearly $300,000 every year. 95 cents of every dollar raised at the event goes toward providing education, income, health, and basic needs programs to those in need in our local community.
Beard in Baldwin
April 14, 2018, 7-10pm
The Osprey Tavern
$110 in advance, $115 day of ($175 VIP)
Celebrate Orlando’s incredible culinary scene while supporting the James Beard Foundation and its National Scholars Program. This food and wine festival in Baldwin Park features cuisine from 25+ top-tier local restaurants, wine, craft beer, and spirits along with live entertainment.
2018 participating restaurants include 1921, 4 Rivers, Black Rooster Taqueria, Chroma, Cuisiniers, DeVine Wine & Grill, El Buda, Hawkers, Hunger Street Tacos, K Restaurant, Orlando Meats, The Osprey Tavern, Pizza Bruno, Reyes Mezcaleria, Se7en Bites, Seito Sushi, Soco, Swine & Sons Provisions, Tamale Co, Terralina Crafted Italian, The Ravenous Pig, The Rusty Spoon, Urbain 40 and more. Tickets include food and beverages. VIP tickets include admission to a private cocktail event inside The Osprey Tavern.
Generocity Orlando 2018
April 18, 2018, 6-8:30pm
Orlando Science Center
$30 ($75 VIP)
Hosted at the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Magazine’s Generocity Orlando event is the perfect way to party with a purpose. Familiarize yourself with 50+ Central Florida nonprofits while enjoying complimentary food and drinks from Orlando restaurants and pop-ups. Each ticket includes wine, beer, food, entertainment and more.
Central Florida Earth Day
April 21, 2018, 10am-6pm
Lake Eola Park
FREE admission
While not specifically a fundraiser, Central Florida Earth Day is a fun festival dedicated to celebrating those making a difference in the world, making sustainable and healthy decisions at all levels, providing environmental education, and so much more, all with a focus on keeping our planet healthy. Peruse the free festival for speakers, food prep demos, environmental education, vegan eats, music, and more.
Reading Between the Wines
April 25, 2018, 6pm
Orlando Science Center
$89
Love books and great food? Then the annual Reading Between the Wines fundraiser is for you! This annual event benefits the Adult Literacy League, whose mission is to create a literate Central Florida community. Enjoy a vast selection of wine plus food and drinks from local restaurants like 1921 by Norman Van Aken, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, and Swine & Sons Provisions among others. This year’s special guest is Brad Meltzer, a NY Times Best Selling Author and History Channel star.
8th Annual Wine Women & Shoes Orlando
April 28, 2018, 2-6pm
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
$125 (VIP $200)
Another epic girls’ day out, Wine Women & Shoes is an annual event supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Combining shopping, wine tasting, food, and live auctions, this event serves as a fun way to spend a day with your girlfriends while raising funds to assist Second Harvest in eradicating hunger in the local community and beyond. Taste wines from seven Sonoma and Napa Valley winemakers, shop premier boutiques and more, all while giving back.
Do Good Date Night
Pair date night with volunteering at a local non-profit during Do Good Date Night. Our event series invites couples to come pitch in for a good cause followed by food, drinks, and fun. Past charities include the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Feeding Children Everywhere, Clean the World, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando. Events occur about six times per year. Our March event is sold out; stay tuned for details on upcoming events.
Volunteer!
There are countless organizations in Central Florida that are always looking for a helping hand. Find a charity or cause that resonates with you and your partner, and have a volunteering date.
Know of an event we’ve missed? Please share it in the comments!
Feature image credit: Beard in Baldwin