FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marcia Hope Goodwin 407-246-3107

ORANGE TREES TO BE INSTALLED
ON ORANGE AVENUE

Project funded by the Downtown Orlando Foundation

ORLANDO, FL (December 10, 2003) -- As part of the beautification and revitalization of downtown, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Thursday at 9:30 a.m. will oversee the installation of 16 orange trees on Orange Ave. [see photos]

The first of the trees will be installed on the northwest corner of Orange Ave. and South St. in front of the Lincoln Plaza Building. The addition of orange trees to Orange Ave. was funded by a $10,000 gift from the Downtown Orlando Foundation and is a project of the Downtown Development Board. Funds were raised at O-Ball 2003, the Downtown Orlando Foundation’s annual gala.

“With Central Florida’s history so closely tied to the citrus industry, we felt it was only appropriate to actually have orange trees on Orange Avenue. We hope this will support the City’s efforts to enhance downtown’s main corridor,” said Jamie Barati, chairman of O-Ball 2003.

Since its inception in 1999, the Downtown Orlando Foundation (DOF) has donated approximately $60,000 to downtown projects. The DOF Board of Directors consists of Jamie Barati, Katheryn Bowyer, Angela Buchanan, Susan Chicone Chapin, Betsy Culpepper, Rebekah Gimenez, Laura Peed Guitar, Charles Hawkins, Ben Hewitt, Chele Hipp, Matt Ravenscroft, Jan Tews, Craig Ustler and T. Picton Warlow IV.

The Downtown Orlando Foundation exists to enhance the desirability of working, living, entertaining and conducting business in Downtown Orlando by engaging young professionals interested in helping shape the future of the heart of the City Beautiful. The Downtown Orlando Foundation, Inc. is a 501-C-3 not-for-profit corporation.
 

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