Welcome to the 2024-25 Council of 101 year!
Reflecting on my time as President- Elect, it has been a whirlwind of growth and learning. I thank Lisa Sheppard for her invaluable leadership and unwavering friendship; her daily support has been my anchor through this journey.
Your 2024-2025 Board of Directors are dedicated women committed to our mission. Many are serving for a second year. We will be a strong team, and I look forward to serving with you.
I am delighted to introduce our accomplished women who have accepted appointed positions:
Linda Cegelis, returning as the Corporate Lease Chair; Rachel Steele, taking on the crucial roles of Parliamentarian and By-Laws Chair; Andrea
Balanzategui, leading as the E-Commerce & Technology Chair; Stefaney Giordano, spearheading the Festival of Trees 2024 as Chair; Stacia Aman, overseeing the Festival of Trees 2024 Overall Design as Chair and Stacie Porcher, returning as the
Hospitality Chair. Each of these roles plays a vital part in our mission, and I have full confidence in their abilities.
Our Annual Spring Luncheon at the Orlando Country Club was a delightful affair, filled with warmth and celebration of our collective achievements. We welcomed the 2024-2025 Council of 101 Board of Directors, along with 25 new Active members and 34 new Provisional members. To our new Active members, you have set the bar high, and we look forward to the great things you will accomplish. To our new Provisionals, your journey ahead is significant, but we trust in your capabilities to rise to the occasion.
Let's delve into the numbers—$300,000, $450,000, and $470,000—the substantial annual gifts we have bestowed upon the Orlando Museum of Art in
recent years. This year, we exceeded all expectations with a groundbreaking gift of $510,000 presented to Mark Elliott, Chairman of the Orlando Museum of Art,
Board of Trustees, by Lee Nimkoff and Lisa Sheppard. This significant milestone, when combined with the value of volunteer hours contributed, serves as a
testament to the Council's unwavering commitment to the museum and our community. Your financial support is instrumental in our collective success.
A special recognition is due to Mary McAndrew, Regina Pommer, Gail Bove and Cathy Cascio (The Tiny Orchid) for their artistic contributions that elevated our luncheon to a truly special event. Your creativity and talent added a unique touch to our celebration, and we are grateful for your dedication to our cause.
As we embark on the 38th annual Festival of Trees 2024, I want to share this year's theme and overall design. The Festival will be held from November 15th through 24th.
Festival of Trees
Let the Joy of the Season Shine
Although early in the planning stages, the theme is about embracing the joy and magic of the Holiday Season while basking in the glow of silver, gold, and metallic accents. Let the Joy of the Season Shine décor will be elegantly festive with a sophisticated touch of glamour and will entail shimmering decorations of silver and gold ornaments, crystals, metallic garland, and twinkling lights. The museum
will be elegant and enchanting, with a sense of jubilant celebration and warmth.
Lastly, I sincerely thank the 2023-2024 board, Vanessa Cruz, and our entire Council of 101 membership. Your support during my personal challenges has been
a source of immense comfort. Let's continue to uplift and support each other as we strive to enrich the museum and foster a stronger Orlando community.
Remember, the friendships we forge along this journey are priceless.
As your President, I am always here to listen and eager to connect at our next General Meeting on Thursday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m. (5:30 p.m. social time) at the museum. Let's make this year one of unity, growth, and continued success.
Allison Hudson
President, 2024-25
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