Tree of life
The healing process after a loss is much like a tree: It’s fragile at the start, but with tender care, eventually the roots will take hold, allowing the tree the opportunity to grow, to weather storms and thrive. This is why, when the World Trade Center collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, due to terrorist attacks, the care that came for one lonely surviving pear tree became a thing. Now, standing tall at the WTC memorial plaza and proudly flourishing, this tree became a symbol of hope and healing for many. Which is why, the Survivor Tree Seedling Program came about. Each year the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings to three communities that have endured tragedies in recent years.
According to local blog Bungalower, a seedling from the 9/11 Survivor tree will be gifted to the city of Orlando as a result to the Pulse nightclub attacks. According to the site, the tree will be planted and hosted at Leu Gardens until plans for a more permanent memorial are finalized.
From Headdress with Love
With a new home at the Marriott Orlando World Center, the 27th annual Headdress Ball started off with a bang! A massive VIP lounge welcomed guests with live music and entertainment ranging from ballroom dancers to a painter doing an original art piece.
The night progressed into the massive ball room that had a very circus-like atmosphere, with everything from aerialists to the scantily clad Harriett Lake dancers accepting money in curious spots. The glitzy night was packed with Central Florida’s who’s who and who wants to be.
Although the last tally shows Hope and Help didn’t fully reach their ultimate goal of $400,000 dollars, even days later, donations are still coming in.
$26 Million and growing
The fund set up for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting now contains over $26 million dollars. According to city officials, the One Orlando fund will start distribution of these funds at the end of the month after reviewing the 351 claim forms received by the September 12 deadline.
Out of the 351 claim forms, funds will be disbursed between the families of the 49 victims that perished and 53 hospitalized on June 12 as well as many more who were affected.
