There are some new faces around the offices of Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc. June Ings is the agency’s new development director, taking over the reins from Maggie King, who held that position for more than a decade. The organization has also hired a new events manager, Chris Hessler.
“Chris has been a strong supporter of the agency for many years,” said Duane Hoyle, the organization’s volunteer manager. “June has a lot of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, so she brings a wealth of experience and information to the organization.”
Hessler will run Hope and Help’s signature events such as the AIDS Walk and the Headdress Ball, while Ings will manage fundraising that is not events-related. The organization has also announced the date of the 2013 AIDS Walk. It will take place May 18, and Hessler said his goal is to double the number of walkers and bring in 4,000 this year.
He calls his new position “a lifelong dream,” and said the cause of the agency is something he really cares about.
“When you’ve seen people you care about suffer through HIV and AIDS and die, it motivates you to do something really good,” he said. “I found it incredibly exciting and a huge privilege to dedicate 100% of my time to bringing in money and making sure patients are provided with care.”
Additionally, Hope and Help is in the process of opening up a second location on Colonial Drive, next to Publix. Hoyle said that’s where their client services will be located. The grand opening party will be Feb. 11, Hessler said.
“We’re in Winter Park, and it can be challenging for clients to reach us if they rely on public transportation. Now, we have a bus stop right down the street,” he said. “Our prevention department has already moved over there, and rest of client services will move over in January.”
2013 marks Hope and Help’s 25th year of service.
