Feed & Fortify program 2015 by Luisa Lopez

PROGRAM 2015

FFCO KIDS GALA PROGRAM A Word from Feed & Fortify! WELCOME to the Feed & Fortify Kids Gala and Juried Art Exhibit.

WELCOME

First we want to let you know a little bit about us and why we decided to bring this event to the community. Imagine losing your home due to an illness, life change, job loss, or other catastrophic circumstances. The Council on Homelessness 2013, reported over 45,000 sheltered and unsheltered individuals in Florida, ranking the Sunshine State the third highest in the nation of unsheltered homeless persons. 17% of the homeless in Florida are under the age of 18 and schools boards estimated 63,685 homeless students. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true and more close that what you can imagine. That’s why as part of the community we need to take action and Feed & Fortify Community Organization (FFCO) has made great strides for the Central Florida community, serving over 9,253 meals to individuals and families in transition since 2011. We are on a mission to help families get back on track through realistic opportunities and effective solutions. A Legacy of Service The Feed & Fortify Juried Art Exhibit and Gala intends to support our mission to instill a legacy of service in a new generation. Through the gift of art we will bring Central Florida families together to make an impact in the local community in need. This is a one-of-a-kind fundraising initiative to help us to fund our Commitment of Achieving a Creative Hope C.O.A.C.H program for the families in transition homeless that are located at the low income hotels. Our goal is to provide to these families different after school programs (art, sports, counseling and life skills for parents that help them through their transitional process). The first Hotel select is “Great Values Residence” located in Orange County, with over 200 families and 100 kids waiting for our help! Thank you for your support. TOGETHER … We make the difference! www.feedandfortify.org

PROGRAM MC’S Mariangie Rosario:

Todd M. Piorkowski: Accomplished musician since the age of 8 and singing professionally since the age of 17. Todd has appeared multiple times on TV and radio in many countries, hundreds of churches, dozens of schools, NASCAR races, and even our nation’s capital.

PROGRAM MC’S

Radio & Media Celebrity Host of “Contigo cada Mañana” 1440 AM, owner of Nosotras Newspaper empowering women through a positive lifestyle.

PROGRAM 6:00pm – Red Carpet/Art Exhibition by Julsan and Xiomara 6:45pm – MC’s on Stage / Welcome 7:00pm – Dawn Branch Works Company 7:15pm – Artist of the Year Julio Sanchez 7:25pm – Unveil the top 10 kids Art

PROGRAM

7:30pm – Adlan Cruz Concert 8:30pm – Art Juried Award Ceremony 8:50pm – Words of Founder Feed and Fortify Community “Please remain seated for the presentation of the Awards”

OUR SPECIAL ART & PERFORMANCE ARTISTS

Was born on July 3rd, 1972 in the town of Rio Piedras in Puerto Rico. At the age of 3 his family of Dominican decent relocates to the Dominican Republic. His interest in the art of painting started during art festivals at his elementary school in the city of Barahona. With the intention of providing better opportunities for Julio, his parents enrolled him in a painting course from the Hemphill School but were unable to complete due to economic hardship. Julio moved to Miami City unfortunately in 2000 He suffered a work related injury that broke four disk of his lower back. Unable to move freely and during rehabilitation painting became his tool for relief. Julio is better known by his professional name of Julsan. Julsan has continued exposing his work at the local scene in the City of Kissimmee, Orlando, Maitland, Baldwin Park, HBIF Consumer Expo and at “La Calle 8” Cultural Center in Miami, ZU Gallery in Miami, Universidad ANA G. MENDEZ, CASA de España in DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Pount Gallery in Orlando, Hispanic Heritage and Cultural club Solivita, Central library, Downtown Orlando, City Hall of Kissimmee, CityArts Factory in Downtown Orlando. Gateway Center for the art in Debary Fl, Loft 55 Gallery, FAVO, Café Tu Tu Tango and others places. Most of Julsan work has been on portraits of women and of Tainos, the Caribbean Indeans. Although some paintings are in canvas or paper, he prefers the use of hardwood which allows for the use of mixed media. These elements create the sensation of having a three dimension portrait and or enhance the painting by making them feel alive. Some of his Artworks has been selected to be on a Book cover, Cd Cover and promotional Cultural event. Julsan received many recognition for his Artistic Labor in the community of Central Fl.

ARTISTS

JULIO CESAR SANCHEZ MATOS.

ARTISTS

OUR SPECIAL ART & PERFORMANCE ARTISTS

XIOMARA ALEKSIC I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Dominican born parents who have always been supportive of my love for the arts. In 2003, I received a degree in Graphic Design from Valencia College, but continued to produce traditional artwork in pastels, charcoal, watercolor, ink, and acrylic. I began exhibiting my artwork in 2009 after a series of synchronistic events armed me with the courage to rediscover my dream of living my life completely immersed in art. Since then, I have been blessed with many opportunities to exhibit my work in numerous exhibits, gallery shows, competitions, and outdoor festivals. Currently, I live in Central Florida, where I enjoy my rewarding work as an art teacher at IQ Village School of the Arts and as a Visual Artist. I reside with my wonderful husband and two children who are my life. I thank God for them and this incredible journey that we get to share every day. My artwork ranges from photo-realistic portraits, to stylized, figurative faces. Faces fascinate me! I feel that expressions speak volumes without words, and I find myself drawn to capture the subtle emotions and character traits that are found hidden just beneath the surface. Every face is beautiful. I especially enjoy integrating the sense of joy, peace, and serenity that I feel when I am drawing and painting. My intention is to share a positive message of love and light though my work as an artist and art teacher.

DAWN BRANCH WORKS Dawn Branch Works was formed after The Center for Contemporary dance brought choreographer Dawn Branch together with local professional dancers for a project for the 2012 Olympics. The experience of dancing together was so rewarding that the group decided to work together after the project’s conclusion and form a professional company. “A creative bond was formed among the artists,” says Branch, “Sometimes things just fall into place, and this was one of those divine moments.” Inaugural member Lindsey Salfran agrees: “Collaboration between the dancers of DBW and Dawn Branch is an exciting experience. We are constantly pushed beyond our perceived imitations--you dance in ways you never thought you could dance before, and you feel the difference at every rehearsal.” “Creating work on my dancers is always exciting,” says Branch, “I love the idea of having an empty canvas of space and utilizing the dancers to fill it up with color and shapes and theme. The dancers are so open to trying different styles.” Branch goes on to explain that her choreographic style is a fusion of ballet and modern dance along with elements of hip hop. “It’s a beautiful and creatively challenging combination of movement that demands enormous technical strength; dancers execute rapid and innovative choreographic transitions that appear as effortless as breathing,” says Branch. Dawn Branch Works is also sponsored by DanceWear Corner. Visit DWC for all your dancewear needs at http:// www.dancewearcorner.com/

ARTISTS

OUR SPECIAL ART & PERFORMANCE ARTISTS

ARTISTS

OUR SPECIAL ART & PERFORMANCE ARTISTS

ADLAN CRUZ CABRERA Puerto Rican Christian Pianist Adlan Cruz Cabrera, was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico on November 28. 1968. A small red toy piano, a gift from His mother Zoraida Cabrera and his father Leonardo Cruz was the perfect incentive this gifted three year old child needed to embrace the sweet instrument. With it, he was able to express an amazing range of emotions such as nostalgia, loneliness, joy and passion. In 1986 he graduated from the “Escuela Libre de Musica” and he went on to further his studies at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Former governor of Puerto Rico, Luis A Ferrer recognized Adlan’s musical talent early in his career. By the grace of God and the dedicated philanthropic works of the former governor, Adlan received funding to continue his studies. In 2001 Adlan was able to sit next to his patron and play a four hand Piano arrangement of a beautiful Puerto Rican Danza for a Christmas Special televised nationwide. His desire to succeed in the

UNESCO, (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) invited him to Paris where he offered a concert to benefit orphans in the Republic of the Congo.Adlan had the privilege to perform some of his masterpieces in the prestigious Chrystal Cathedral in Orange Grove, California and for the hearts of the many Puerto Ricans who love and respect this talented musician, this moment was a historic celebration of the successful path he has traveled throughout the Nations.His philanthropic work is deeply rooted in the lives of Brazilian children. In Brazil the tireless traveler has strengthen the self esteem of more than 200 children by creating a respectable foundation that teaches them academics and of course, music. Another display of his love for children was witnessed during his latest visit to Buffalo, New York, where he entertained the children with his music and touched the souls of some handicapped children who were thirsting for love. In February he shared his experiences with the children of Escuela Llorens Torres, a local school in Puerto Rico where with his testimony, life stories and excellence in music performance he planted the seed of God’s love for all people.The “Magic Hands” of the celebrated pianist, arranger, and composer have conquered the Nations of the World in a very short time. Singapore, Malaysia, Norway, England, Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Wales, France, Germany, South Africa, Curacao, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Brazil, Denmark, Nigeria, Israel and Palestine are among some of the many nations who have recognized and enjoyed his amazing musical talent, his human integrity and Godly character. People of such high esteem as Mr. Adlan Cruz Cabrera always honor God first and by honoring God he has honored his family, his native Puerto Rico and the world.

ARTISTS

arts led him to Europe where he continued to conquer different musical genres such as classical, popular and religious music. Throughout his journey Adlan continued to be admired not only for his excellence in music performance but also his integrity and personality.Today, Mr. Adlan Cruz Cabrera is a concert pianist, a philanthropist, he produces and promotes his concerts and above all, he is a worshiper of the Living Loving God who bestowed such precious talents to his care. His music has broken every barrier of space, culture and time. He’s had the privilege to perform before Singapur’s president S.R. Nathan who honored him for having offered a concert to benefit the Tsunami’s orphans.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT