Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes Headlines Heart of Florida United Way’s 17th Annual Women United® Luncheon

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2023) – Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) will host the 17^th annual Women United Luncheon, presented by the Walt Disney World® Resort, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Hilton Orlando. Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, healthy lifestyle advocate, and Gymnastics Academy owner, will headline the event.

Dawes is the only American gymnast to medal at three different Olympic Games in the team competition and the first African American gymnast to win an Olympic Gold medal.   

She paved the way for other young African-American gymnasts to strive for Olympic glory. At the 1996 Atlanta Games, Dawes became the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal, capturing bronze with her floor exercise performance and helping solidify her place in the USOC Hall of Fame.  

As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment, and culture.   

During the Women United Luncheon, she will call upon her inspirational journey to help participants ENVISION a future for themselves in which they reach their full potential.   

ENVISION is an acronym for the eight principles that helped Dawes become successful in and out of the athletic arena. Luncheon attendees will learn to harness their passion, plan, and perseverance to achieve greatness personally and professionally.    

Women United^® is an action-oriented, impact-driven group of Central Florida leaders dedicated to empowering ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families, who are one emergency away from financial disaster. As part of a powerful, global network of more than 70,000 women leaders, Women United^® takes a stand against the most critical issues facing more than 165 communities in six countries.  

An integral part of Heart of Florida United Way, Women United^® harnesses the collective power of women+ to create opportunities for impact in our Central Florida community through fundraising, engagement, volunteerism, and advocacy The group tackles the issues that matter most to the people who call it home. 

Sponsorship opportunities, which include exclusive branding and target marketing opportunities plus admission to a premium experience following the luncheon, are available by contacting WomenUnited@HFUW.org.  

Reserved tables for 10 attendees are available for $3,000. Individual tickets are $120 for general admission or $150 for a premium ticket to include a meet-and-greet experience with Dawes.  

Tickets are available for purchase at http://bit.ly/WUL2024.

Visit hfuw.org/womenunited to learn more about the work of Women United through Heart of Florida United Way or email WomenUnited@HFUW.org. Visit HFUW.org to learn more about Heart of Florida United Way. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Heart of Florida United Way and on X/Twitter and Instagram @hfuw. You can also join the Women United LinkedIn Group. 

About Heart of Florida United Way 

Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) stands up for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in Central Florida. Since 1939, HFUW has delivered programs, invested dollars, and convened community members around important issues impacting Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services nonprofit, HFUW created a $50 million impact in Central Florida last year. In 2021-22, HFUW served more than 703,000 people through its direct service and funded programs. HFUW is home to notable community resources like the 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line; 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Mission United program for Veterans; TECHquity, an initiative bridging the digital divide; Destination Graduation at Seminole State College; the Ryan White Part B & General Revenue program, which administers nearly $2.3 million to provide HIV/AIDS services and referrals; the Planning Council Support program that facilitates community planning and priority setting for HIV services. United Way partners with individuals, local businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies to open opportunities and close gaps in Central Florida. Visit www.HFUW.org for more information, or call (407) 835-0900. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn at Heart of Florida United Way and on Twitter and Instagram @hfuw.