Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Awards Over $178,000 in Student Scholarships and Grants during Annual GIVES Luncheon
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This week, CFHLA in partnership with the CFHLA Foundation, proudly hosted our annual Gives Luncheon at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South (Thank You, Phil Klinkenberg, General Manager).
This year, through the support of our members and partners, we were thrilled to distribute another $160,300 to 62 local students who may not have had access to an education without our financial support. Each of these students have now been given the opportunity to further their education in either hospitality management or culinary.
Additionally, the CFHLA Foundation has now awarded more than $1.5 million in student scholarships since 2000.
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Furthermore, this luncheon featured the following highlights, including:
- Aubrey Pugh was selected as our newest Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation Scholarship recipient. Aubrey graduated from Wekiva High School last spring and is continuing her education at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Aubrey will be receiving a $52,000 scholarship and a paid internship opportunity at the Caribe Royale Orlando and at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South.
- The CFHLA Foundation awarded nearly $18,000 in educational grants to three local schools and county-wide initiatives including:
- Horizon High School – $2,750 to support nearly 300 students annually through the purchase of equipment that teaches ice cream making and supports program fundraising.
- Seminole County Public Schools Foundation – $5,000 to enhance culinary education for more than 200 students by updating kitchen equipment and supplies.
- Orange County Public Schools Culinary and Hospitality Competition – $10,000 to support competitions that allow high school students to showcase their culinary skills, hospitality knowledge, and marketing creativity.
- Lastly, the recognition of 112 CFHLA lodging and allied members who participated in the association’s Adopt-A-School Partnership throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. This was a 9% increase from the 2023-2024 academic year.
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Click HERE to read the entire press release about this year's CFHLA Gives Luncheon and our efforts to invest in the next generation of hospitality leaders. View all the photos HERE!
A special thank you to our outstanding 2025 CFHLA GIVES Luncheon corporate sponsors, who are making a positive difference within our local community including:
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Also a special thank you to our outstanding 2025 CFHLA GIVES Luncheon in-kind sponsors including:
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CFHLA Collects More than 226,600 items during
CFHLA Cares Collection Drive
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Additionally, CFHLA held our second CARES Collection Drive of the year during the Gives Luncheon.
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Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and partners, we collected more than 226,600 school supplies, hygiene items, and clothing this week, to support Central Florida students in need throughout the region.
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We’re so grateful for everyone who generously contributed and supported this week's CARES Collection Drive and we truly appreciate your support of this impactful initiative! CFHLA and our members remain committed to serving our community!
View all the photos HERE!
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Our Foundation's Community Impact Report,
Brought to Life by RedFork Marketing
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We’re proud to share that the 2023 - 2024 CFHLA Community Impact Report is now available!
A special thank you to our CFHLA member RedFork Marketing and their amazing design team for bringing this report to life with their creativity and expertise.
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Inside the report, you’ll find several impactful highlights from our CFHLA Foundation during the FY 2023 - 2024 - including:
- A Total of $543,550 in Giving
- This includes $264,600 in total student scholarships, $165,450 to support educational and workforce development programs, and another $113,500 to additional charitable community causes.
- 32 Different Central Florida Organizations have been impacted positively
- More than 215,000 total items collected and donated to educational and community partners at eight different CFHLA Cares Collection Drives
- 145 Members Adopted Fire and Police Stations as part of the Patriot Day Adopt-A-Station Initiative
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This report highlights the remarkable progress made by the CFHLA Foundation over the past two years. The hospitality industry remains a tremendous asset to the Central Florida region and the impact of the CFHLA Foundation would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our Board Members, Council Members, and Donors.
📘 View the full report online HERE and take a look at how we are making a difference!
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🎃 The 2025 Halloween Golf Online Auction is LIVE!
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Bidding is still open for the 2025 CFHLA Halloween Golf Online Auction!
Don’t miss your chance to win incredible prizes before the auction closes next Tuesday, October 28 at 9:00 PM.
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This year’s online auction features an exciting lineup of items you won’t want to miss, including:
🛻 Chauffeured Night Out – Enjoy 4 hours of private luxury SUV or van service with a personal chauffeur, courtesy of Destination MCO
🏌️ 3 Golf Lessons – Improve your game with this lesson package from Golf Galaxy
🏞️ 4-Night Stay in Gatlinburg, TN – Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bent Creek Golf Village, Hilton Grand Vacations
Place your bids now, HERE!
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Thanks to our 2025 CFHLA Online Auction Sponsor:
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🎄Dreaming of a Green Christmas?
Enter the Holiday Cash Raffle! 🎟️
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Feeling festive and lucky? Enter the CFHLA Holiday Cash Raffle for your chance to win a $4,000 grand prize!
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Only 250 tickets will be sold at $50 each, with one winner selected during the 2025 CFHLA Hospitality Gala to win a $4,000 cash prize! The drawing will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 (You do not need to be present to win).
Ticket sales are open until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, or until tickets sell out. Proceeds from this raffle benefit the CFHLA Foundation.
Purchase your ticket today HERE!
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🏀 Wishing the Orlando Magic a Great Season!
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CFHLA extends our best wishes to our member, the Orlando Magic, as they tip off their 37th season!
The Magic opened the 2025 - 26 season at home at the Kia Center, defeating the Miami Heat with a final score of 125–121 on Wednesday.
Additionally, fans across Central Florida will see “Paint the City Magic Blue” initiatives - including blue lighting on downtown landmarks and Magic banners displayed in youth gyms across the region. Fans are encouraged to show their team pride by wearing Magic gear throughout the week.
Here’s to another exciting season ahead - both on and off the court. Go Magic!
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Partners In Action – Aloft Orlando Downtown Brings Smiles and Supplies to Eccleston Elementary
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Throughout July, the Aloft team collected school supplies to help students prepare for a successful start to the new school year. Team members then attended the school’s Meet Your Teacher event, where they personally handed out the donated items to students and families in need.
Thank you again to the Aloft Orlando Downtown team for their continued commitment to supporting local students and educators - this is a wonderful example of hospitality in action!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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Meet Our October Members of the Month
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To nominate a future CFHLA Allied and/or Lodging Member of the Month, please CLICK HERE.
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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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