Lyndsay Fogarty
When we partnered with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida in 2018 to plan and execute a holiday party for their foster families, we had a chance to step inside their world. We watched the eyes of the children light up as they decorated cookies and roasted s’mores over a campfire – many for the first time ever. There was no question that we wanted to be involved again in 2019.
About Camp Holiday Cheer
On Dec. 12, hundreds of foster parents and children joined Devereux team members and volunteers for Camp Holiday Cheer at The Pines at Windermere. The purpose of this annual party is to celebrate all of the amazing work that foster parents do every day to provide loving homes for children in need in our community. Not only is it an evening of festive fun for the kids but it is also a time of camaraderie for the parents as they bond with others over shared experiences.
The families were greeted with the sounds of the season as students from Montverde Academy’s Music Conservatory, the Yuletide Singers, sang Christmas carols. The venue was filled with entertainment, from an arts and crafts station inside to an inflatable bounce house outside. Additionally, a Gatorland trainer taught the children about alligators and allowed them to pet a baby alligator while a cowboy from Suhls Rodeo introduced them to a live bull and “reindeer” ponies. Between activities, families came together for fellowship and food – a spread of salad and pasta provided by the catering team at Bella Vista at Clarion Lake Buena Vista. As they savored their meal, students of all age ranges and skill levels from Ready Set Dance performed for the crowd.
An Experience for Everyone
For many in attendance, Camp Holiday Cheer was the first time they had the opportunity to participate in activities such as these. However, on this night, everyone got to enjoy the experiences.
One of the biggest surprises of the night was when Santa pulled up to the dock on a boat complete with sparkly lights and cheerful decor. Buddy the Elf joined Santa on stage where all of the children had some time to take photos and share their wish lists.
For our team at Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine, it’s always a privilege to be involved in creating a special holiday experience for Devereux’s families. Year after year, giving the gift of love and memories that will last a lifetime is both humbling and eye opening to everything that goes into an organization like Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida.
A Special Thank You
This special evening wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing sponsors. We can’t thank you enough for all that you do!
• Duda Family Foundation
• Bella Vista at Clarion Lake Buena Vista
• Love Made Visible
• Alight Solutions
• Cole, Scott & Kissane, PA
• AdventHealth
• GrayRobinson, PA
• Sunshine Health
• Sunrise Bank
• Ready Set Dance
• Orlando Improv Comedy Club
• Central Florida Zoo
• ICON Park
• Simply Amazing
• DP Inflatables & Bounce
• Mosaic Church
• Ocoee Fire Department
• Montverde Academy
• Suhls Rodeo
• Walmart
• Wendy’s
• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
• Target
• Jimmy Johns
• Walt Disney World Resorts
• Gatorland
• Orlando Putting Edge
• 7-Eleven
• Publix
• Penn Florida Properties
• Karst Media Group
Comments