Each holiday season, the Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka devotes itself to spreading cheer and bringing much-needed support to its Florida community. Through its annual initiatives and events, the club brings joy to local families in need, ensuring that no one is left behind during this festive time of year. With a long-standing commitment to service and generosity, members partner with local organizations to provide food, gifts, and a sense of togetherness for those facing challenging circumstances. The club’s efforts not only brighten the lives of many but also foster a spirit of unity and goodwill throughout the community.
For instance, the club collaborates with its local Elks Lodge to support their shared community. In 2024, Sertomans, Elks, and local educational partners came together to provide 100 families with food, gifts, and toys. Parents were able to pick up meals and shop for presents, while children enjoyed snacks and fun in a "pizza parlor" style dining area. This program was founded by the late Arlen Mizell, a life member of Sertoma who passed away in 2023.
“It [was] more important this year than ever,” Sertoman Bev Winesburgh said after the event wrapped up. “Groceries and toys [were] a heavy lift this Christmas. The families were overjoyed, as were we!”
The club is also known locally for its signature holiday event, the Annual Apopka Christmas Parade. Celebrating its 49th in 2025, the beloved parade transforms the city’s Park Avenue into a vibrant display of 100+ festive floats, holiday music and enthusiastic participants of all ages. Santa always makes an appearance, and local vendors are on hand to offer up hot cocoa, baked goods and all the other treats of the season.
Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka celebrated a half century of Service to Mankind in the Orange County, Florida, area last June. You can connect with the club online at FoliageSertoma.org or Facebook.com/FoliageSertomaClub.
Club members Lorena Potter, Brenda Mizell and Bev Winesburgh represented the Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka at the annual Sertoma/Elks holiday event, which provides meals and gifts to area families