On May 16, 2026, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida held its fifth annual Ultimate Garden Party at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, presented by The Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation and supported by CoreGiving. The event raised over $370,000 to fight hunger in Central Florida, providing more than 1.5 million meals for children, families, and seniors in the seven-county area. This impact shows what our community can achieve when we unite for a common cause.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues stepping up to support our neighbors facing hunger,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “The generosity shown through events like the Ultimate Garden Party helps ensure families, children, and seniors across Central Florida can access nutritious food. Your support truly makes a difference.”
Event Highlights
Guests received a magical welcome, with champagne served through a hedge wall.
Ten vendors participated in a trunk show, each donating proceeds to support Second Harvest's mission. Thank you to Jillian Says, Kendra Scott, Amorbellia, Serotonin Winter Park, Love Thirteen, The Pink Chalet, The Good Pour, Riedel, Plate Above Catering, and Meredith Sand Designs Studio and Gallery for their generous support!
Refreshing beverages were provided by several local partners, including Tito’s, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Ivanhoe Park Brewing, and Ten10Brewing.
All-In Casino kept guests entertained with thrilling casino-style games, while Bill Collins, the Chief Operating Officer of Second Harvest Food Bank by day and an acoustic guitarist by night, filled the afternoon with smooth sounds, creating a delightful atmosphere. Guests also had the opportunity to capture the fun with a OurDJRocks photobooth and interact with a fortune teller and a caricature artist.
Local artist JULSAN painted a one-of-a-kind canvas during the event, which was later featured in the silent auction.
Blue LaLa Entertainment presented memorable garden-themed performances, with fun photo opportunities and a lively show.
Michelle Imperato, Second Harvest Food Bank Board Member and WESH 2 Anchor, emceed the event with fellow WESH 2 Anchor Jesse Pagan. Thank you to WESH 2 for their continued support as a media partner and help informing the community before, during and after the event on the impact.
Alpert Enterprises led an exhilarating live auction, offering multiple opportunities for global adventures and the Bid from the Heart.
Tracie bravely shared her experience of navigating how to feed her family after unexpectedly losing her job. She shared how the warm welcome and support she received from a Second Harvest feeding partner provided hope and stability when she needed it most. We appreciate her incredible story and invite you to watch her testimonial video below.
A special thank you to our fantastic event chair, Daniel Bentacourt, for his leadership, and to the Ultimate Garden Party planning committee for their hard work and dedication! Your commitment has been instrumental in making the event a tremendous success. We also want to acknowledge Andrea Patenaude, Amanda Mitteff, Agatha DeMarquez, Becky Drake, Carralyce Buford, Guy Yarkoni, Jaquie Dua, Jordan Vaughn, Katie Johnson, Rachel Barnes Eisenberg, Sharon Joseph, Cathy Kort, Xio Guzman, Adam Swiatek and Caroline Hutchinson for pouring their hearts and souls into this event.
Finally, thanks to the event sponsors, as well as to the generous donors, volunteers, and guests who made the Ultimate Garden Party possible. To the event sponsors, your commitment provides the crucial resources that allow Second Harvest to distribute enough food for 300,000 meals a day. To the many volunteers, your time and enthusiasm make the event run smoothly and fill it with warmth. To our guests, your attendance, donations, auction bids and spirit energize our mission and foster community. Your financial contributions, volunteer time, in-kind donations and passion for the mission are deeply appreciated. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being part of a community dedicated to fighting hunger and helping neighbors thrive.
