Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Gives Luncheon Celebrates Industry Impact by Providing A New Record of $280,650 in
Student Scholarships and Educational Grants
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This week, CFHLA in partnership with the CFHLA Foundation, brought together our members, tourism partners, educators, and elected leaders for the annual CFHLA Gives Luncheon, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Special thanks to CFHLA Foundation Chair and Managing Director Paul Joseph and the Hyatt Regency Orlando team for their wonderful hospitality and support.
Thanks to the generosity of our members and partners, this year’s luncheon distributed a new record high of $280,650 in student scholarships and educational grants. This includes $202,150 to support 65 students and hospitality employees pursuing educational opportunities across the Central Florida region.
Additionally, another milestone was acheived as the CFHLA Foundation has now awarded more than $1.6 million in total student scholarships since 2000.
Learn more by CLICKING HERE.
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Highlights of this year’s impact include:
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Camile Burgos, a graduate of Freedom High School who is continuing her education at Valencia College, was selected as the newest recipient of the Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation Scholarship. Camile received a four-year, $52,000 scholarship, along with a paid internship opportunity at Caribe Royale Orlando and Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, helping connect her education with meaningful, hands-on industry experience.
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The CFHLA Foundation awarded $73,500 in educational and community grants to support ten (10) different local organizations throughout Central Florida, including:
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A total of 121 CFHLA lodging and allied members were recognized for their participation in the Adopt-A-School Partnership during the 2025–2026 academic year. This was an 8% increase from the previous academic year. Through these partnerships, hospitality businesses help schools connect students with resources, relationships, and opportunities that support their success.
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Behind every scholarship, grant, and school partnership is an investment in someone’s future. These contributions help open doors for students to pursue their ambitions, give educators additional resources to develop tomorrow’s workforce, create pathways into meaningful hospitality careers, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who help make our community so special.
The CFHLA Gives Luncheon is a reminder of what our industry can accomplish when we come together to give back. We thank our members, partners, donors, educators, and volunteers for making this work possible and helping build a stronger future for Central Florida.
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A special thank you to our outstanding 2026 CFHLA GIVES Luncheon sponsors, who are making a positive difference within our local community, including:
Presenting Sponsor:
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CFHLA CARES Collection Drive Collects
More Than 60,700 Items for Local Students
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Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed! Access to basic necessities can make a meaningful difference in that journey.
During the CFHLA GIVES Luncheon, CFHLA hosted its third CARES Collection Drive of the year, collecting more than 60,700 school supplies, hygiene items, and clothing to support students in need throughout Central Florida.
This incredible contribution reflects the generosity and compassion of our members and partners, who continue to turn their commitment to the community into meaningful action. These essential items help equip students with resources that support their daily needs, promote confidence, and create a stronger foundation for learning.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every member, partner, and supporter who donated and helped make this initiative possible. Your generosity reaches beyond the collection drive itself, reminding students, families, and schools that their community stands behind them.
Together, CFHLA and its members are helping remove barriers, support student success, and build a brighter future for Central Florida, one donation at a time.
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Calling all Golfers! Last Chance to
Register for the Halloween Golf Open!
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There’s still time to join the fun at CFHLA’s annual Halloween Golf Open on Thursday, October 29, at Mission Resort + Club (Thank you, Cindy Staley, General Manager)!
Gather your foursome, dust off your clubs, and get ready for a great day of golf, networking, and Halloween fun with fellow CFHLA Members. The tournament will kick off with a 7:45 am shotgun start, so get ready for an exciting morning on the greens.
Mission Resort + Club is generously offering discounted overnight accommodations for golfers who wish to arrive the night before the tournament.
A limited number of golf spots are still available, so don’t wait to secure your place. Registration is $375 per golfer or $1,500 per foursome.
Allied Members – CLICK HERE to register!
Lodging Members – CLICK HERE to register!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spook-tacular CFHLA tradition!
For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org.
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Hyatt Regency Orlando Supports
Student Success at Rosemont Elementary
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Every student deserves the tools and resources needed to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Through its ongoing Adopt-A-School partnership with Rosemont Elementary School, the Hyatt Regency Orlando is helping make that possible.
The hotel recently organized a school supply drive, collecting nearly $700 worth of supplies to stock the school’s store and help ensure students have access to essential classroom materials. These resources do more than fill shelves, they help students feel prepared, build confidence, and focus on what matters most: learning.
This initiative reflects the meaningful difference CFHLA members can make when they invest in the schools and communities they serve. By building strong partnerships with local educators, hospitality businesses help create a supportive environment where students have greater opportunities to succeed.
CFHLA extends its sincere thanks to Hyatt Regency Orlando for its continued generosity and commitment to Rosemont Elementary School.
Together, we are helping equip students for success, strengthen our schools, and build a brighter future for Central Florida.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OCTOBER
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize Daniel Vidal of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate as our Lodging Member of the Month for October!
Daniel’s dedication to CFHLA is reflected in his leadership on our Engineers’ Council, his participation in signature events, and his consistent willingness to share his time and expertise. His engagement has helped strengthen connections among hospitality professionals and supported the collaboration that keeps our industry moving forward.
We are grateful for Daniel’s continued involvement and the leadership he brings to CFHLA and the broader hospitality community.
CFHLA is also excited to recognize Julie Schroeder of Your Environment’s Solution as our Allied Member of the Month for October!
Julie’s commitment to CFHLA goes well beyond membership. From supporting signature events and participating in the Patriot Day Adopt-A-Station Program to serving on the Engineers’ Clay Shoot Fundraising Committee, she consistently finds ways to contribute to our association and community.
Her generosity, thoughtful feedback, and willingness to lend a hand make her a valued partner and an important part of CFHLA’s hospitality network. We sincerely appreciate Julie’s continued support and the positive impact of her involvement.
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Daniel and Julie as our October Members of the Month!
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
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About CFHLA
6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821
The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.
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