Lake Eola Tree Decorated with 3,000 Hearts

The Inaugural Giving Tree event surpasses expectations in raising donations and awareness for Central Florida foster youth

Orlando, Fl. – May 11, 2012 – In an effort to raise donations and awareness for the Foundation for Foster Children, Giving Tree host Appleton Creative had hoped to add 1,500 hearts to a Lake Eola tree, instead kind-hearted Orlando residents filled the tree with more than 3,000 hearts, raising thousands for the Foundation for Foster Children.

The Giving Tree event was initially inspired by the “Why I Love Orlando” campaign, and the concept won the support of the City of Orlando and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan.

Located at Lake Eola on May 20, the inaugural event allowed Orlando residents the opportunity to donate to the Foundation for Foster Children and decorate a Lake Eola tree with hearts that represented the wishes of Central Florida Foster youth. Hearts were purchased on location, at www.givingtreeorlando.com or pre-purchased as part of Panera Bread’s Blue Ribbon Bagel event.

The event received an outpouring of support from foster parents, as well as from the Commissioner Sheehan, the city of Orlando and its residents. Hosts Appleton Creative, sponsor Panera Bread and Orlando area lawyer Michael Agranoff donated advertising resources. The family-friendly Giving Tree event benefited greatly from the face-painting expertise of duo of Samantha and Eileen Strickland.

The team at Appleton Creative thanks all who helped make this event a success!