OCCC Sustainability Coordinator, John Roberts, facilitating the donation of goods to a Gift for Teaching. 

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) continues to demonstrate its dedication to the local community during these unprecedented times.  

Recognizing the challenges faced by the local region, The Center of Hospitality team have worked diligently to support local organizations throughout these times of hardship. Through innovative waste diversion practices, the OCCC has spearheaded numerous donation initiatives to support several local non-profit organizations.  

“Generosity and community support underlines all that we do here at the OCCC,” said John Roberts, OCCC Sustainability Coordinator. “By collaborating with show managers, we were able to secure numerous donations to benefit local organizations. More than ever, we see that our community is hurting, and we want to do whatever we can to help – no matter how big, or how small.”

Following the cancellation of Grainger Show, scheduled to be at the OCCC from March 15-17, exhibitors donated more than 400 pounds of items, worth an estimated $1,500, to a Gift for Teaching, and more than $20,000 worth of items to the West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

Centerplate, the OCCC’s exclusive food and beverage provider, also continues to demonstrate their commitment to the community during this unprecedented time, from donating more than 12,000 pounds of food to local organizations such as the Second Harvest Food Bank and New Covenant Baptist Church, to harvesting more than 800 heads of lettuce per week for donation to community organizations such as Giving Hope Again and United Against Poverty Orlando.  

“We continue to harvest fresh produce from our Center to Table Gardens,” said Molly Crouch, Centerplate’s Sustainability Director. “During this period we have made donations to several local organizations, including the Orlando Forum Dinner Show, who utilized our fresh produce in meal kits for local hospitality workers. We will continue to work with local organizations, to help in any way we can during these challenging times.”

OCCC Center-To-Table Garden Donations