Mayor Teresa Jacobs hosted the fifth annual Orange County Jazz in the Park festival and welcomed a record-breaking crowd this year at the beautiful and historic Cypress Grove Park on Holden Avenue.
The event, designed to thank local service organizations and individuals who selflessly give back to their communities, was attended by more than 800 citizens this year and showcased the cool sounds of local jazz bands.
“We are so fortunate to have citizens that care about our neighborhoods, and who continue to invest in our communities,” Mayor Jacobs said. “There is simply no way to measure the very real and beneficial impact of the many individuals and organizations who care about Orange County.”
During her welcome remarks, Mayor Jacobs recognized several local service organizations, including Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando; Clean the World; Volunteers for Community Impact; the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, and Friends and Family United, Inc., a program that helps students cope with challenges.
Volunteers for Community Impact, a non-profit organization that offers volunteer opportunities for active adults 55 and older, attended the event and looks forward to another year of giving back to Orange County.
“Our volunteers and staff thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We appreciate Mayor Jacobs for recognizing us and for spending time learning about the work that we do in Orange County,” said Lisa Harris, a foster grandparent program manager for Volunteers for Community Impact. “It was a very pleasant evening and we met a lot of great people from the community.”
Nestled along beautiful Lake Jessamine, Cypress Grove Park set the stage for guests to enjoy the performances of Matt “The Saxman,” Jazzway Express, the Dimas Sanchez Quartet and the Dave Capp Project. Jazzy103.com and WUCF 89.9 helped to promote the event.
This picturesque Orange County park sits on 80 acres of lush grounds boasting oak and cypress trees, radiant seasonal flowers, and perfectly manicured lawns. The park is home to a charming 1920s estate house. The vintage colonial home has become a destination for weddings, soirees, corporate events, and holiday celebrations.
“Orange County Parks and Recreation was happy to host Jazz in the Park for the fifth consecutive year,” said Orange County Parks Manager Matt Suedmeyer. “It is always a pleasure to see so many citizens come out to Cypress Grove Park to enjoy this event.”
