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Visit Orlando today announced Pathlight HOME and IDignity – two local organizations that help combat homelessness in Central Florida and facilitate access to necessary services – as charitable beneficiaries for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining in 2021. An annual tradition, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns Aug. 27 – Oct. 3, with a variety of Orlando’s best restaurants offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus. Every year, $1 from every meal served during the program benefits one or more local nonprofits.
Last year, the program raised a record-setting $345,378 for Feed the Need Florida to help feed thousands of residents struggling to access food during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Over the years, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised more than $1.8 million for local charities,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. "This year’s beneficiaries, Pathlight HOME and IDignity, are two incredible organizations making a difference in our community by helping to combat homelessness. We look forward to seeing their important work supported through additional funds from our annual dining program.”
With the mission to end homelessness, Pathlight HOME provides affordable housing and offers an employment resource center to help low-income and homeless individuals in Central Florida get back on their feet.
“We are honored to have been chosen as a beneficiary of this year’s Magical Dining program,” said Helaine Blum, CEO and co-founder of Pathlight HOME. “To date over 7,000 homeless and low-income individuals have found a home and support services through our organization. And, thanks to this funding, even more will have the comfort of a roof over their head and the services they need to become empowered, self-sufficient members of our community.”
Having served over 24,000 individuals in Orange County, IDignity assists disadvantaged Central Floridians in obtaining legal identification documents often required to access education, employment, housing, banking, social services, proper healthcare and numerous additional opportunities.
"All of us at IDignity are extremely excited, grateful, and humbled to be selected as a beneficiary of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program this year,” said Michael Dippy, executive director of IDignity. “IDignity is honored to partner in improving the quality of life in Orlando by assisting U.S. citizens and legal residents in obtaining their legal identification documents. Access to identification not only empowers individuals to better their own lives, it also cultivates a society that is more inclusive, productive, and secure for us all."
More details on Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining will be released ahead of the program’s start at MagicalDining.com.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States and Theme Park Capital of the World®. Visit Orlando connects consumers with every segment of Central Florida’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, outdoor thrill rides, activities to connect with nature, and a dynamic dining and entertainment scene — Orlando is welcoming to travelers of all ages. With 450 hotels, visitors have choices that span multi-acre resorts to themed boutique hotels. Orlando’s trusted theme parks, attractions, hotels and businesses have developed comprehensive safety measures and worked closely with medical experts to create safe travel experiences. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com.
