For us? You shouldn’t have. We think living in Orlando is the greatest gift of all, but it’s actually been on the receiving end of quite a few delightful donations. From sculptures to parks, museums, and more, check out these four Orlando gifts.
Lake Eola Park | We have a sinkhole and the Summerlin family to thank for this downtown Orlando landmark. Originally purchased by Jacob Summerlin in 1873, the land was donated to the city in 1883. Fast forward to 2021, when two fifth-generation Orlandoans — Eugenia Sefcik and Lynn Long — created the Orlando Land Trust to protect land around the lake from further high-density development. So technically, you can thank the sinkhole, the Summerlins, and Eugenia + Lynn.
Packing District | Dr. Philip “Doc” Phillips and the Dr. Phillips, Inc. organization have donated hundreds of acres to the City of Orlando. Fun fact: Dr. Phillips may have earned a medical degree at Columbia University (there are varying accounts) in the 1890s, but the nickname “Doc” was largely used for marketing the businessman + citrus magnate’s juice with slogans like “Drink Dr. Phillips’ orange juice because the Doc says it’s good for you.” In addition to his legacy of large land donations, “Doc” Phillips and his organization have given more than $200 million in grant funding to initiatives, including Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and programs and buildings at AdventHealth + Orlando Health.
$70 million for the Central Florida Foundation (CFF) | One of the world’s youngest self-made billionaires gifted $70 million to the CFF in 2021. In addition to managing philanthropist funds and its own funds, the foundation also facilitates community programs like 100 Women Strong, Rally, and disaster preparedness efforts.
Artwork for The Orlando Museum of Art | Keith Haring, Helen Frankenthaler, and Kwame Brathwaite are just a few of the artists represented in the 300+ works donated to our art museum by New York collectors Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett.
Did we leave any gifts wrapped? Let us know.
