We told you HERE last month that Winter Park-based Victory Cup Initiative (Website) was hosting a “Shark Tank”-style event at the Dr. Phillips Center to award funds to ten featured local organizations.
Those groups were prompted to share their stories in just 150 seconds in front of an audience of community and business leaders for cash prizes totaling $75,000. During the event, that prize package was dramatically increased to $175,000 in unrestricted funding due to the combined effort of a number of the attendees.
Each of the ten organizations walked away with at least $25,000 rather than an expected $1,000 just for participating. The top three winners included:
- 1st Place: $75k – The Verb Kind (Website) – a mentoring program at the Orlando Juvenile Detention Center.
- 2nd Place: $50k – Commission 127 (Website) – a family advocacy ministry.
- 3rd Place: $45k – Special Hearts Farm (Website) – serves individuals with disabilities and unique abilities by providing adult day training, supported employment, and possible entrepreneur business opportunities related to farming and gardening experiences.
