ORLANDO, Fla. – Visit Orlando proudly announced a historic $352,218 donation to Orange County charities through its 2024 Visit Orlando Magical Dining program, presented by Orlando Health. This represents a 30% increase over 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2020.

The annual event, which celebrates Central Florida’s vibrant culinary scene, offered $40 and $60 pre-fixe menus at 150 of the region’s finest restaurants, including MICHELIN Guide honorees. For each meal sold, $1 or $2 was contributed to local charities. Since 2009, the program has raised over $2.9 million for charitable organizations in Central Florida.

This year’s primary beneficiary, The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, provides essential resources to families recovering from hardship while promoting environmental sustainability. Among its impactful initiatives, the organization has repurposed over 160,000 mattresses, diverting nearly 4 million cubic feet of waste from landfills.

To extend the reach of the program, Visit Orlando awarded $3,000 to nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts. These organizations, recognized for their efforts to create thriving, sustainable communities, included:

• Hope Along the Way – Supporting families through life’s challenges.
• New Image Youth Center – Empowering youth with educational opportunities.
• Next Step Foundation – Promoting recovery and wellness.
• United Against Poverty – Providing tools to improve livelihoods.
• WASH Foundation – Advocating for clean water and sustainable practices.
• CDA “WE Care” – Building compassionate communities.

Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, stated:
"Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining not only celebrates our destination’s incredible culinary talent but also strengthens our community by supporting impactful local causes. With the participation of 150 restaurants, including 25 new venues and nine MICHELIN Guide honorees, the program reached new heights. We’re deeply grateful to our diners and partners for helping us build a sustainable future in Central Florida."

Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer of Orlando Health and Visit Orlando board member, added:
"We thank our local community and visitors for their support of these nonprofits through Magical Dining. The record-breaking success this year highlights the program’s extraordinary ability to enhance the health and well-being of our community."

Among the 150 participating restaurants, four were recognized for their exceptional contributions:

• Summer House on the Lake – Top-performing new restaurant: $40 menu.
• Chayote Barrio Kitchen – Top-performing new restaurant: $60 menu.
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room – Largest increase in meals served year-over-year.
• Seasons 52 – Orlando – Top-performing restaurant overall.