150 Orlando-Area Restaurants Join Forces For a Good Cause
Over 150 Orlando-area restaurants joined forces this year for a good cause as part of Vist Orlando’s Magical Dining.
The yearly fundraiser celebrates Central Florida’s vibrant culinary scene and encourages locals to try new dining experiences. This year, the program featured $40 and $60 pre-fixe menus at 150 different restaurants, with $1 and $2 from every meal going to local charities.
When the dust had settled on the fundraiser, Visit Orlando announced that $352,218 had been donated to local Orange County charities, a new record.
Photo: Also Visit Orlando
“We’re truly thankful to our local community and visitors from beyond Orlando for supporting these nonprofits through their participation in Magical Dining,” said Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer, Orlando Health, and Visit Orlando board member.
“With this record-breaking year, we’re especially excited to continue seeing how this extraordinary program’s impact enhances the health and wellness of our community.”
The Local Charities Impacted
Since launching its charitable component in 2009, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised over $2.9 million for local charities. This year, the campaign supported The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, which helps families in need while promoting environmental sustainability.
Photo: Mustard Seed of Central Florida
Additionally, Visit Orlando awarded $3,000 to nonprofit organizations in each of Orange County’s six commission districts. These included:
- Hope Along the Way – Supporting families through life’s challenges.
- New Image Youth Center – Empowering youth with educational resources.
- Next Step Foundation – Promoting recovery and wellness in the community.
- United Against Poverty – Offering tools to improve lives and livelihoods.
- WASH Foundation – Advocating for clean water and sustainable practices.
- CDA “WE Care” – Building strong, compassionate communities.
Summer House on the Lake Was Given Special Recognition
As previously noted, 150 restaurants participated in this year’s Vist Orlando’s Magical Dining campaign. This included Summer House on the Lake, which was recognized as the Top Performing New Restaurant: $40 Menu.
“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining not only shines a spotlight on the incredible culinary talent throughout our destination but also strengthens the community by supporting meaningful local causes,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
“This year’s program was our largest to date, with 150 restaurants participating, including 25 new venues and nine MICHELIN Guide honorees—and the results are evident with the donation raised. We are deeply grateful to all diners and restaurant partners whose contributions are transforming lives and helping build a sustainable future in Central Florida.”
To learn more about Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, visit OrlandoMagicalDining.com.
