Keeping "Kids on the Go"! Donna and Connie worked to grow an organization of all volunteers who understood the great feeling that helping a child gives you.
520 N Semoran Boulevard, Ste 222
Orlando, FL
32807
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In October of 1989, studio executive, and producer of the blockbuster, Love Story, Howard Minsky, a long-standing member of Variety of New York, met with Donna Draves and Connie Ginakes in Palm Beach to talk about Variety. He said that it made sense for Variety to establish itself in Orlando because of the area’s deep connections with the entertainment industry. Donna, an entertainment attorney, and Connie, a restaurateur, agreed.
Variety of Orlando held its first fundraiser, Caribbean Carnival, attended by over 500 people, shortly before the 1990 Variety World Conference. In May of 1990, Donna and Connie traveled to Century City in Los Angeles for the annual Variety World Conference where Variety Orlando was recognized for signing up a record number of members and raising thousands of dollars at the fundraiser. Even though the waiting period before receiving a charter was two years, the Variety International Board of Directors made an exception and Variety Orlando received its official charter at the Awards Banquet attended by countless celebrities. Donna gave her acceptance speech after Michael Jackson was presented with an award and before Goldie Hawn introduced the winner of the Humanitarian Award. William Shatner took the photo of Donna and Connie posted on Facebook.
