Love is Local Summit Overview

Join Lift Orlando on October 17 for an inspiring day designed to equip and connect funders of place-based philanthropy and celebrate local achievements.

DONORS FORUM BREAKFAST | 7:30 - 9 A.M.

An exclusive roundtable focuses on exchanging ideas and encouraging investments in place-based philanthropy. It aims to help funders understand the impactful work of Lift Orlando and the benefits of place-based work for better investment in communities. 

HUMBLE GENEROSITY IN ACTION 

Featuring: David Daniels, CEO of the Bainum Family Foundation. After investing millions in the well-being of children and families in Florida they’ve recently committed $100 million over five years to early childhood education. 

To join the breakfast, become a Sponsor of the Love is Local Summit. 

LOVE IS LOCAL SUMMIT | 9 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

This initiative transcends traditional corporate partnerships; it's a call to action for funders and businesses to inspire a movement. Join us to hear from national voices in philanthropy, learn the place-based model, and engage with community leaders and local residents, all dedicated to driving positive social impact.

SESSION 1 | WELCOME + CALLING BUSINESS LEADERS | 9 A.M.

Featuring: Tom Sittema, Partner at StepStone and Co-founder of StepStone Private Wealth as well the chairman and co-founder of Lift Orlando will share how business leaders investing in local communities can help create generational cycles of prosperity in neighborhoods.

SESSION 2 | CATALYZING PLACE-BASED PHILANTHROPY | 11 A.M. 

Featuring: Jim Shelton, President, Blue Meridian Partners, one of the most significant philanthropic initiatives addressing poverty, with over $4 billion raised and hundreds of millions dollars invested  in transformative, place-based partnerships.

SESSION 3 | PHILANTHROPY & PLACE-MAKING | 11 A.M. 

Featuring: Ken Robinson, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips, Inc and the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, the largest local grant-making organization with over $200 million invested in Central Florida. Hear about how the legacy and vision of the new Packing District unfolding near downtown Orlando.

SESSION 4 | GAME CHANGERS: THE ROLE OF MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS IN PHILANTHROPY | 1 P.M. 

Learn from leaders in the sports industry about innovative approaches to stadium development and management that prioritize local economic growth, social equity, and community well-being. We'll highlight how the world of sports can serve as stewards of community development, ensuring their presence uplifts rather than disrupts the neighborhoods they call home. 

Featuring:

  • Steve Hogan, CEO, Florida Citrus Sports (FCS)

  • Alex Martins,CEO, Orlando Magic

  • Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations, Orlando City Soccer Club

  • Ken Boehner, President and Chairman, Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation

SESSION 5 | HEALTH EQUITY & PLACE BASED IMPACT | 1:45 P.M. 

Explore how local initiatives are driving health equity for children and creating lasting, positive change in communities. This session will address the disparities impacting children’s health outcomes and highlight community-based strategies that bridge these gaps. Hear from leaders transforming children’s health through dedicated, community-driven efforts.

Featuring:

  • Susan Towler, Executive Director, Florida Blue CSR/Florida Blue Foundation

  • Sherry Magee, Senior Director, KPMG

SESSION 6 | PLACE-BASED INNOVATION IN EDUCATION | 2:30 P.M. 

The New York Times called it “one of the most ambitious social-policy experiments of our time.” The Harlem Children’s Zone is a world-renowned education and poverty fighting organization in New York City. This cradle to career network of programs is serving over 34,000 children and 100% of their Promise Academy students graduate and go to college. 

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Christian Rhodes, Deputy Executive Director of the William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children's Zone. He is the former Senior Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education.