Featured in Orange Appeal Magazine – Appleton’s Giving Tree!

The Giving Tree: Fostering Hope with Heart

Few things in this world matter as much as the wholesome, flawless wishes of a child. While big dreams come easy for most Central Florida children, our community’s foster children bear heavy burdens. They move from home to home facing the trials of a disconnected family, lacking in resources that would make their dreams come true.

However, there is hope. May is Foster Care Awareness month, and through the grit and determination of a few key Orlando-based companies and the support of Orlando city officials, hope comes in the form of an event called the Giving Tree.

Produced by local advertising agency Appleton Creative, in partnership with the Central Florida Foundation for Foster Children, the Giving Tree is an open-to-the-public fundraising event that will be held at Lake Eola Park. Appleton Creative earned the support of the City of Orlando, Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Sheehan to produce the Giving Tree fundraising event.

The Giving Tree event, which will run from 9 am – 2 pm on Sunday May 20^th, will allow Lake Eola Park visitors to purchase foster child wishes. Wishes will also be given to all those who purchase blue bagels from Central Florida Panera Bread locations on Friday, May 4^th. These sponsored wishes will hang on trees at Lake Eola near the playground, creating a visually stunning piece of environmental awareness art. All proceeds raised will go the Foundation for Foster Children, who work hard to turn these foster child wishes into reality.

The concept of raising attention to community causes through art is not new to Appleton Creative. In fact, the initial idea of the Giving Tree, which won Mayor Dyer’s “Why I Love Orlando” concept contest at his State of Downtown Address late last year, came through a group brainstorm of leading area business professionals and cultural Orlando icons who were inspired by Appleton Creative’s in-office Giving Circle Gallery.

The Giving Circle Gallery, which provides the inspiration and the spirit for the Giving Tree, is an art gallery housed on the first floor of Appleton Creative’s Delaney Avenue office. This “Awareness Art Gallery” is dedicated to showcasing causes in need. There is a piece of art always featured called the “Giving Circle” which represents the spirit of giving and mankind’s interconnection.

Foster Care Awareness events will kick-off with a new show in the Giving Circle Gallery, featuring a collection of works by foster children.

The dreams of children have value. Participate in Foster Care Awareness month activities this May and help keep childhood wishes alive.