Celebrate the Children – Club Oz: A Night of Heart, Courage, and Brighter Futures
There’s no place like Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida… and there was certainly no night like this one.
On a dazzling evening filled with sparkle, spirit, and soul, Celebrate the Children – Club Oz, presented by Disney, transported more than 900 guests over the rainbow and into a world where every moment made magic — and every dollar raised changed lives.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Ozians, we didn’t just follow the yellow brick road — we paved it. Together, we made history, surpassing $1 million for the first time ever in the gala’s history. This milestone will directly impact the more than 12,000 youth and teens we serve across our Clubs throughout Central Florida, offering them a safe, nurturing place to grow, dream, and thrive.
Youth at the Heart of the Journey
At the core of the evening was our mission — and the youth who inspire it.
Raymond, our 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year, took the stage as keynote speaker and brought the entire room to its feet. There wasn’t a dry eye in Oz. In a moving speech, Raymond shared how his journey — from childhood homelessness to hardship and resilience — was transformed by the unwavering support of his Club, his mother, and his love for science. Today, Raymond is headed to Duke University on a full scholarship to study physics, and left us with these powerful words:
“As difficult as my journey was, I recognize I needed to go through hardship to become who I am today… Because of the strength of my mother, the unwavering support of my Club and the love I found for science, I not only survived, but I thrived.”
Before Raymond took the stage, Disney Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad surprised Raymond on stage with a $10,000 scholarship. Thank you to our title sponsor, Disney, for making this magical moment possible!
Throughout the night, we heard from our Youth of the Year Finalists, Ale’jah, Ci’Miya, Ericka, Leondrae, Nikol, who wowed the crowd with their charm and character.
The Magic of Performance
Throughout the night, our incredibly talented Club youth and teens lit up the ballroom with performances that stole the show:
- Antaria opened the evening with a powerful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
- The Follow the Yellow Brick Road Steppers energized the room with sequins, rhythm, and spirit.
- Our Youth Arts Initiative (YAI) dancers performed a thrilling Club Oz Medley that had guests on the edge of their seats, and closed the night with a joyful performance of “Ease on Down the Road.”
From the first note to the final bow, our Club performers were the golden thread that wove the Club Oz journey into one unforgettable narrative — showcasing the talent, confidence, and creativity that thrive within our Clubs through every song, step, and movement.
Honoring a Legacy
A powerful moment of the evening came as Janice Abrew-Coriano of Rosen Hotels accepted the Key to Club Oz in honor of the late Mr. Harris Rosen — a Hall of Fame Boys & Girls Clubs alumnus and steadfast advocate for youth.
Mr. Rosen often credited the guidance he received at the 10th Street Boys Club in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen for changing the trajectory of his life. He paid that forward in every way imaginable, dedicating his life to lifting up Central Florida’s youth and inspiring generations to dream bigger. His legacy lives on in the futures he helped shape.
A Night of Generosity and Joy
The live auction brought energy, excitement, and a whole lot of heart:
- Chris Marchand, our Great and Powerful Auctioneer of Oz, was joined by Randy June and his daughter, who generously donated an exclusive trip to their Bahamian home — private jet included.
- Our 2025 Kiwanis Club of Orlando Foundation Youth of the Year, Raymond, returned to the stage for a thrilling paddle drop, where one lucky guest walked away with a luxurious getaway to Rosen Shingle Creek.
Every bid helped build the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!
Thank You for Believing in Our Mission
From start to finish, Celebrate the Children was a night we’ll never forget – because it was about so much more than the glamour and glitter of the Emerald City. It was about impact. It was about showing up. It was about believing that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves a chance to reach their full potential.
To our guests, sponsors, performers, volunteers, and especially our fearless event chair Kelli Addison — thank you for walking the Yellow Brick Road with us. Your heart, your courage, and your unwavering belief in our mission made this night unforgettable.
As we return from the Emerald City, may we carry with us the joy and purpose of the journey — and remember:
