WINTER PARK, Fla. – “Cows and Cabs” is gearing up for another year in Winter Park, continuing its mission to raise money for Central Florida charities.
Last year, the event gave away $750,000 to support local organizations.
“Every dollar counts in the work that we do,” said Kathie Southern, executive director of Family Promise of Greater Orlando.
Family Promise helps families facing homelessness achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency through a community-based response.
“The need is incredible,” Southern said. “Last year alone, we served 254 families and we had to turn away 600, over 600 that needed our help, but we just didn’t have the capacity.”
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She said the funds raised by Cows and Cabs allows Family Promise to help more families.
“The less time we spend out fundraising, the more time we have that we can spend on helping families and particularly making sure kids are not negatively affected by the crisis in our community,” Southern said.
Tina Larue, co-founder and co-chair of Cows and Cabs, said they usually give back to around 20 charities.
“It’s unimaginable in giving the checks to some of these charities like Family Promise or Central Florida Miracle League or After-School All-Stars,” Larue said. ”It’s tears in my eyes every time I do it because it’s just amazing. Amazing.”
The event offers a night of food, dancing, and giving back, with several local restaurants participating.
Corner Chophouse, one of Winter Park’s newest spots, is excited to be involved.
“It’s been fun knowing that we’re going to get back out into the community because we want to be a part of the community,” said Corner Chophouse Executive Chef Nick Billings. ”It’s a huge thing with us and within the company.”
In addition to Corner Chophouse, several Central Florida favorites will participate in this year’s event including Se7en Bites, Otto’s High Dive and The Ravenous Pig with more to be announced.
Larue said this year’s event will also feature a Thursday night Tacos and Tequila theme with Michael and Bryan Voltaggio and a closing performance on Saturday by country artist Randy Houser.
Tickets go on sale on Monday at noon. To purchase tickets, you can click here.