Eight Waves is a nonprofit walking alongside children and families in Orange and Lake County – offering stability, literacy, an opportunity. They just don’t provide programs. They create the kind of support that breaks generational cycles and helps kids believe again – in themselves and in what’s possible.

Currently Eight Waves has a vision of creating a Children’s museum in Orange County.

– Selected by Ray Holden, President, Sizzlin’ Greens

My son and I recently moved to a property along the Wekiva River, and we have gained a firsthand appreciation for both its natural beauty and its vulnerability. The River is one of the few places remaining in Greater Orlando that still feels like “Old Florida”. Its history is rich 0 from the Timucua Indians traveling its waters to the diverse native wildlife that still calls it home today. The spring-fed waterway provides life to manatees, otters, alligators, gopher tortoises, black bears, white-tailed deer, wood storks, bald eagles, herons, and many other species.

Friends of the Wekiva River is a non-profit organization that serves to protect, preserve, and restore the natural functions of the Wekiva River and its fragile ecosystem, which faces many threats today. Organizations like FOWR give a voice to the endangered plant and animal species that have called Orlando home for far longer than we have. My hope is that by supporting causes like Friends of the Wekiva, this special place will remain just as wild and beautiful for future generations to experience, and that my son will someday be able to share a taste of “Old Florida” with his own children

– Selected by Payton Foster, Executive VP, Partner, Insite Real Estate

We support the Heart of the City Foundation.  It supports many different Chirst-centered ministries within Orlando.  One specific mission they support is The Heart of the City Fellows Program.  This program is in its tenth year and has brought well over 100 “Fellows” recent college graduates to Orlando, placed them with a host family, provided an internship in a Christ-centered organization and started them on their professional careers.  Over the past 9 years a larger majority of the past Fellows remain in Orlando and active contributing members of our community.  We are honored to continue supporting the program.

– Selected by Chris Barnes, President, Verge Properties

Advocating for and creating a sense of inclusion for children with disabilities and special needs is a cause that is very meaningful to me and my family. Children with disabilities frequently face exclusion from play and peer interactions, leading to detrimental effects on their life trajectories. Studies have shown that children who are denied the opportunity for play and socialization are more likely to face isolation, bullying, and unemployment. For over 25 years, Inclusion Matters has been dedicated to forging pathways towards equity and inclusion for children with disabilities and special needs through the development of fully inclusive playgrounds, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines. These accessible and inclusive playgrounds empower children through physical, sensory, and creative play, which are foundational to a child’s development. Please join me in supporting this incredible organization and important work in the built environment!

– Selected by Jake Radeski, Senior Manager- Real Estate, Shake Shack

It is hard to focus on anything else in life when you don’t know where you or your child will sleep at night. That uncertainty is the heartbreaking reality too many families face. Each month, the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida helps countless families and individuals in their most vulnerable moments, offering shelter, stability, and the support needed to get back on track.

Right now, the Coalition is leading a legacy campaign to build a new center for women and families. The goal is to ensure that no child or family in Central Florida is left without a safe place to stay. This vision of a community where every family has shelter and hope for tomorrow is one I deeply believe in, which is why I am proud to support their work.

I am grateful to my friends at Equinox for giving me the opportunity to share the incredible impact the Coalition is making. Together, we can help create a future where no parent has to wonder where their child will sleep.

– Selected by Nicole Carolan, Esq., Partner, Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, P.A.

Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee is an 89-acre resort providing cost-free, weeklong wish vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families from around the world. It’s a special place where families can create priceless memories and experience the joy of childhood away from medical concerns and is made possible by the support of generous donors, community partners, and thousands of passionate volunteers.

– Selected by Cory Sitler P.E., Associate, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.